AWS launches CloudFormation Express mode to accelerate infrastructure deployments

Introduction of Express Mode

AWS has launched CloudFormation Express mode, a new feature aimed at accelerating infrastructure deployments for developers and AI tool users. This mode allows projects to finalize deployment once the resource configuration is confirmed, bypassing the usual waiting period for stabilization checks.

Mechanism of Action

Traditionally, AWS CloudFormation performs stabilization checks after resource configuration, ensuring readiness to handle traffic. However, Express mode targets scenarios where rapid deployment is more valuable than immediate stabilization, such as iterative development and AI-assisted infrastructure adjustments.

Performance Improvements

With the introduction of Express mode, some deployments can be completed significantly faster. For instance, creating an SQS queue with a dead letter queue can take 64 seconds in standard mode but only about 10 seconds in Express mode. Similarly, deleting an AWS Lambda function with a network interface attachment can drop from 20-30 minutes to under 10 seconds.

Implementation of Express Mode

To utilize CloudFormation Express mode, users can opt for it when creating a stack in the AWS Management Console by enabling the feature under Stack deployment options. It is also accessible through the AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI), AWS SDKs, and third-party tools like AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK).