Installing AWS CLI

Using WordPress on AWS Lightsail and Docker

Summary

The AWS CLI is a command-line tool that lets you manage and automate AWS services including Lightsail using PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Terminal. With AWS CLI, you can automate tasks, configure AWS resources, and streamline the deployment and management of Lightsail instances, Docker containers, and WordPress environments.

Prerequisites

• Python (if applicable):
  • Required only for AWS CLI v1 (installed via pip): Python 3.7 or later recommended.
  • AWS CLI v2: Python is bundled; you don’t need to install it separately.
• Administrator or sudo privileges: Required for installation and configuration on most systems.

Installation

Tip: All commands below should be run in your system’s terminal, PowerShell, or command prompt.

Windows

Option 1: MSI Installer

1. Download the installer from the official AWS CLI documentation.
2. Run the installer (e.g., AWSCLIV2.msi).Or, run this command:msiexec.exe /i https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.msi

Option 2: Chocolatey

Chocolatey is a command-line package manager for Windows.

To install or upgrade AWS CLI:

choco upgrade awscli

Verify Installation

aws --version

Linux

Option 1: Official Bundled Installer

curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip"
unzip awscliv2.zip
sudo ./aws/install
rm -rf awscliv2.zip aws/

Option 2: Snap (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo snap install aws-cli --classic

Verify Installation

aws --version

macOS

Option 1: Homebrew

brew update
brew install awscli

Verify Installation

aws --version

Creating an IAM User Group for Lightsail Access

You can use either a service-linked role (created automatically by Lightsail) or set up a custom role with your own group and permissions.

1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console

• Go to the IAM (Identity and Access Management) service (search for “IAM” in the AWS Console search bar).

2. Create a User Group

• Navigate to User groups ? Create group.
• Name your group (e.g., LightsailUsers).
• (Optional) Add users now, or skip and add later.
• Click Next.

3. Attach Permissions

• In Attach permissions policies, search for AdministratorAccess.
• Check the box for AdministratorAccess.
• Click Next, then Create group.

4. Add Users (if you didn�t earlier)

• In User groups, select your group.
• Go to the Users tab, click Create user.

5. Create User & Access Key

• Set a username (e.g., developer).
• Leave console access unchecked (optional).
• On Permissions, choose Add user to group and pick LightsailUsers.
• Skip permission boundaries (optional).
• Click Create user.

Create Access Key:

• In Users, click your user’s name.
• Go to Security credentials tab, click Create access key.
• Select Command Line Interface (CLI).
• Confirm recommendations and continue.
• Download your credentials .csv and store securely.

Tip: Tags (key-value pairs) can help organize and automate your Lightsail resources.

AWS CLI Configuration

1. Run the aws configure Command

aws configure

You’ll be prompted for:

• AWS Access Key ID: (From your downloaded .csv)
• AWS Secret Access Key: (From your downloaded .csv)
• Default region name: (e.g., ap-southeast-2)
• Default output format: (json, text, or table)

These are stored as your default profile.

2. Add Additional Profiles (Optional)

You can create multiple named profiles (for different users/accounts):

aws configure --profile MyUbuntuProfile

3. Where Profiles Are Stored

Profiles are kept in two files:

• Linux/macOS: ~/.aws/
• Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\.aws\

Files:

• credentials – stores access keys
• config – stores region and output format

Example:

~/.aws/credentials

[default]
aws_access_key_id = AKIAEXAMPLE1
aws_secret_access_key = secret1

[MyUbuntuInstance]
aws_access_key_id = AKIAEXAMPLE2
aws_secret_access_key = secret2

~/.aws/config

[default]
region = ap-southeast-2
output = json

[profile MyUbuntuInstance]
region = us-west-2
output = table

Using Multi-Profiles

Multi-profiles allow you to easily switch between AWS accounts, users, or environments from a single machine.

• View all profiles:aws configure list-profiles
• Use a profile:aws s3 ls --profile default aws ec2 describe-instances --profile MyUbuntuProfile

Further Reading

• AWS CLI Official Docs – Installation & Configuration