AWS Amplify
Full-stack web and mobile development
A set of tools and services for building and deploying full-stack web/mobile apps: hosting with CI/CD from Git for SPA and SSR, plus a backend (Cognito auth, AppSync/DynamoDB data, S3 storage, Lambda functions) defined in TypeScript code (Gen 2).
- Cost$ Low
- Difficulty●●●●●
- Costs money when idle?No
- Serverless
- In examsDVA · SAA · CLF
Think of it asLike buying a house with the foundation, plumbing, and wiring already done: you only take care of the interior (the UI).
When to use it
✓ Use it when
Frontend teams that want to quickly build apps with sign-in, APIs, and file storage without going deep into infrastructure.
✗ Avoid it when
Complex backend architecture that needs fine-grained control → build it yourself with CDK; only a simple static website → S3 + CloudFront.
Common uses
- Host React/Next.js apps that auto-deploy on Git push
- Add sign-in and a GraphQL API to mobile apps
- Preview every pull request
What does it cost?
- Pricing model: Hosting is charged by build minutes, GB stored, GB served, and SSR requests/duration; the backend is charged at the prices of the underlying services.
⚠️ Cost traps
The backend (Cognito, AppSync, DynamoDB…) is billed separately from hosting fees.
