AWS Lambda | AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

Question 1

What is the JVM environment Lambda uses for execution of my function?

AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

AWS Lambda | Compute

Answer 1

Lambda provides the Amazon Linux build of openjdk 1.8.

Question 2

Can I use packages with AWS Lambda?

AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

AWS Lambda | Compute

Answer 2

Yes. You can use NPM packages as well as custom packages. Learn more here.

Question 3

Can I execute other programs from within my AWS Lambda function written in Node.js?

AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

AWS Lambda | Compute

Answer 3

Yes. Lambda’s built-in sandbox lets you run batch (“shell”) scripts, other language runtimes, utility routines, and executables. Learn more here.

Question 4

Is it possible to use native modules with AWS Lambda functions written in Node.js?

AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

AWS Lambda | Compute

Answer 4

Yes. Any statically linked native module can be included in the ZIP file you upload, as well as dynamically linked modules compiled with an rpath pointing to your Lambda function root directory. Learn more here.

Question 5

Can I execute binaries with AWS Lambda written in Node.js?

AWS Lambda functions in Node.js

AWS Lambda | Compute

Answer 5

Yes. You can use Node.js’ child_process command to execute a binary that you’ve included in your function or any executable from Amazon Linux that is visible to your function. Alternatively several NPM packages exist that wrap command line binaries such as node-ffmpeg. Learn more here.