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Debugging AWS Lambda functions can be challenging due to their serverless nature, but two effective approaches include using the Serverless Application Model (SAM) “local” command and the Lambda Live Debugger (currently supporting JavaScript/TypeScript).
You Should Know:
1. Setting Up AWS SAM for Local Debugging
AWS SAM CLI allows you to locally test and debug Lambda functions before deploying them.
Install AWS SAM CLI:
brew tap aws/tap brew install aws-sam-cli
Initialize a SAM Project:
sam init --runtime nodejs14.x --name my-lambda-app
Start Local API for Debugging:
sam local start-api --debug-port 5858
Configure VSCode for Debugging:
Add this to your `launch.json`:
{
"version": "0.2.0",
"configurations": [
{
"type": "node",
"request": "attach",
"name": "Attach to SAM CLI",
"address": "localhost",
"port": 5858,
"localRoot": "${workspaceFolder}",
"remoteRoot": "/var/task",
"protocol": "inspector"
}
]
}
2. Using Lambda Live Debugger
For JavaScript/TypeScript functions, AWS now supports Lambda Live Debugging directly in VSCode.
Enable Live Debugging in AWS Console:
- Navigate to Lambda > Functions > YourFunction > Monitor > Live Debugging.
2. Follow the setup steps to connect VSCode.
Configure VSCode for Live Debugging:
{
"version": "0.2.0",
"configurations": [
{
"type": "aws-lambda",
"request": "attach",
"name": "Attach to Lambda",
"lambda": {
"functionName": "your-function-name",
"invocationEvent": {}
}
}
]
}
3. Debugging with AWS CDK
AWS CDK allows infrastructure-as-code debugging.
Install CDK:
npm install -g aws-cdk
Debug CDK Stack:
cdk synth --debug cdk deploy --debug
Use Breakpoints in CDK Code:
Set breakpoints in `lib/your-stack.ts` and run:
cdk deploy --debug --no-rollback
What Undercode Say:
Debugging serverless functions doesn’t have to be painful. Using SAM CLI and Lambda Live Debugger, developers can efficiently troubleshoot AWS Lambda functions. For CDK users, integrating VSCode debugging ensures smooth infrastructure debugging.
Additional Useful Commands:
- Test Lambda Locally:
sam local invoke "YourFunction" -e event.json
- View Lambda Logs:
aws logs tail /aws/lambda/YourFunction --follow
- List AWS Lambda Functions:
aws lambda list-functions
- Update Lambda Code:
aws lambda update-function-code --function-name YourFunction --zip-file fileb://deploy.zip
Expected Output:
A fully configured VSCode debugging environment for AWS Lambda, with breakpoints, live logs, and seamless CDK deployment debugging.
Reference:
Effortless Debugging: AWS CDK TypeScript Projects in VSCode
References:
Reported By: Darryl Ruggles – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
