Explain the process of creating an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) from an existing Amazon EC2 instance.
To create an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) from an existing EC2 instance, follow these steps:
1. Ensure the instance is in a stable state and prepare it for imaging by stopping any applications or services that may be running.
2. Access the AWS Management Console and navigate to the EC2 Dashboard.
3. Locate the desired instance under “Instances” and select it.
4. Choose “Actions,” then click on “Create Image.”
5. Provide a unique name and description for the new AMI.
6. Decide whether to reboot the instance during the process; note that not rebooting may result in an inconsistent image.
7. Click “Create Image” to initiate the process.
AWS will create a snapshot of the instance’s EBS volumes and register the new AMI. Once completed, the AMI can be found under “AMIs” in the EC2 Dashboard and used to launch new instances with identical configurations.
