Getting started with CloudFormation

You can get started with CloudFormation by using the AWS Management Console to create a stack from an example template and learn the basics of creating and updating stacks. A template is a text file that describes a stack, a collection of AWS resources you want to deploy together as a group. You use the template to define all the AWS resources you want in your stack. This can include Amazon EC2 instances, Amazon RDS DB Instances, and other resources.

CloudFormation is a free service; however, you are charged for the AWS resources you include in your stacks at the current rates for each. For more information about AWS pricing, go to the detail page for each product on http://aws.amazon.com.

Video: Getting started with CloudFormation

The following video shows you how to get started with CloudFormation from the AWS Management Console.