How to Deploy a Web App on AWS: Step-by-Step Guide

Sindu Mohan
May 7
6 min read

Getting your web app live on AWS opens the door to global reach, top-level security, and easy scaling—no matter how big you grow. AWS fits projects from quick prototypes to production-ready apps, and you don’t need to be a cloud pro to get started.

This guide is perfect for developers, startups, and anyone eager to launch a web app with confidence. We’ll cover each step, from account setup to seeing your app run in the cloud, with clear instructions and helpful tips along the way.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to deploy your web app on AWS and keep it running smoothly. Let’s make AWS work for you and your goals.

Pre-requisites and Initial AWS Setup

Jumping into AWS doesn’t have to be intimidating. Before you deploy your web app, there are a few key things to do so your experience is smooth and secure. Setting up your AWS account, getting permissions just right, and having the right tools in place will clear the path ahead.

Creating an AWS Account: Step-by-step guide to setting up an AWS account and understanding account tiers

Getting started means first signing up for AWS. Here’s a step-by-step look at what’s ahead:

Head over to the official AWS account creation page.
Click “Create an AWS Account” and walk through the sign-up steps. You’ll need an email, a strong password, and some basic personal info.
Enter a payment method—AWS requires this, but much is free or pay-as-you-go.
Choose an account type (Personal/Professional) based on your needs. Most solo developers use Personal.
Select your support plan. Start with the basic plan; you can upgrade if you need extra help down the road.

Understanding account tiers:

Many AWS services include a Free Tier—so you can build and test apps at no cost, within certain limits. This gives you hands-on experience without running up a big bill.
You only pay for what you use, so you can keep costs low if your project is small. Learn more about account setup details by checking the AWS getting started guide.

Configuring IAM Users and Roles for Security: Best practices for establishing permissions and roles for safe deployment

Security and access control are must-haves before you launch anything. The AWS root account is powerful, so it’s smart to lock it down and use IAM (Identity and Access Management) for daily work.

Create individual IAM users for yourself and your team. Each person gets their own credentials.
Set up groups and assign permissions based on job needs. Grant only the access needed—this is called the “least privilege” rule.
Use roles for tasks or services (like deployments or CI/CD pipelines). Roles are safer than sharing login info.
Enable MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) for the root account and key users. Add a second verification step to block unwanted access.

Regularly check users and permissions. Remove old accounts and unused access so your environment stays clean. AWS has a rich set of tips—review these IAM security best practices for a solid security footing.

Installing AWS CLI and Other Tools: Directions for installing and configuring CLI, SDKs, or necessary deployment tools

Once your AWS account and users are ready, you’ll need the right tools to connect and deploy from your own computer.

The AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) lets you run commands and scripts to control AWS resources. To set it up:

Download the latest AWS CLI for your operating system from the official installation guide.
Install and open your terminal or command prompt.
Configure the CLI by running aws configure and entering your IAM user credentials and default region.

If you plan to use SDKs (Software Development Kits) for Python (boto3), JavaScript, or other languages, follow the specific setup steps in the AWS documentation (CLI and SDK setup instructions).

Other handy tools for deployment:

AWS CloudFormation or AWS CDK for infrastructure as code.
SSH for managing virtual servers (EC2 instances).

Once your CLI and SDKs are set up, you’re ready to start building and deploying right from your desktop—no need for anything fancy. Keeping all tools updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches.

Preparing Your Web Application for Deployment

Rolling out your web app on AWS starts long before you hit “deploy.” Clean code, solid dependency management, smart choices about AWS services, and airtight secrets all set the stage for a smoother launch. Let’s walk through the smart steps that will keep you organized—and ready for whatever comes next.

Organizing Source Code and Dependencies: Key tips for code organization, managing dependencies, and keeping sensitive data secure.

Great deployment starts with tidy, well-organized code. When your project is clear on the inside, it’s quicker to fix bugs, add features, or bring new teammates on board.

Tips for organizing and managing code:

Use Descriptive Folder Structures: Group code by feature, component, or layer (such as src, config, public, tests). This cuts down on confusion as your project grows.
Version Control Everything: Always use Git (or a similar version control system) and keep your repository structure easy to navigate. Don’t add large files or build artifacts to version control—those belong in your .gitignore file.
Pin Dependency Versions: Nail down exact dependency versions in package-lock.json, Pipfile.lock, or similar files. This guards against sudden build issues.
Regularly Audit Dependencies: Keep up with updates and look out for known vulnerabilities. Tools like Dependabot or npm audit help automate this.
Secure Sensitive Data: Never check in secrets or passwords. Use environment variables and keep .env files or secrets out of your repo.

Dig deeper into best practices by checking out this helpful guide on managing frontend dependencies.

Selecting the Right AWS Service for Hosting: Overview of EC2, Elastic Beanstalk, S3 with CloudFront, and when to use each option.

Choosing where your app will live is a big call—AWS has options for all needs, from full control to zero-maintenance hosting.

Here’s a rundown of the popular services:

Amazon EC2: Gives you total freedom. You control the server, OS, and network setup. Best for custom environments or apps with special requirements. Expect more hands-on management.
AWS Elastic Beanstalk: Handles deployment, scaling, and updates automatically. Drop in your code, and Elastic Beanstalk builds the rest. Great for most web apps—fast setup, little server work.
Amazon S3 + CloudFront: Perfect for static sites (like those built with React, Gatsby, or static HTML). Host assets in S3 for rock-solid durability, then use CloudFront to distribute pages globally.
Other Options: LightSail brings simplified VPS hosting, while Amplify targets modern full-stack apps with managed backend features.

Need help matching your project to the right service? AWS lays out web hosting options in detail, with comparisons to guide your choice.

Configuring Environment Variables and Secrets Management: How to securely manage environment variables and application secrets within AWS.

Keeping secrets out of your code isn’t just good practice—it’s a must for cloud security.

Here’s how to do it right:

Environment Variables: Store app secrets like API keys or DB passwords as environment variables. Never hardcode these in your source files.
AWS Secrets Manager: A secure place for sensitive data. It encrypts secrets by default and makes it easy for your app to fetch what it needs—without the bad guys getting a peek.
Parameter Store: AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store is another choice for less sensitive configuration data. You can manage settings and secrets separately.
Integration with AWS Services: Set up your ECS tasks, Lambda functions, or Elastic Beanstalk environments to pull secrets at runtime instead of storing them on disk.

If you want a practical walk-through, this Medium guide on setting up environment variables with AWS Secrets Manager shows all the steps.

With these habits in place, you’ll have a web app that’s easy to support, simple to grow, and ready for secure deployment—so when you launch on AWS, you’re not just getting to the cloud, you’re setting up for long-term success.

With this hands-on guide, you're now equipped to launch your web app on AWS like a pro. But don’t stop here—keep growing with expert-led bootcamps and practical cloud training from Traceroute Global Service.

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