Cloud 101 with AWS: The What, Why, and How (Serverless API Workshop)

This deck is from a hands-on Cloud 101 workshop delivered at in-person community events, where participants were introduced to AWS fundamentals through a practical, build-along approach.

The session covered the what, why, and how of cloud computing, followed by building a serverless API on AWS using core services such as AWS Lambda, API Gateway, Amazon S3 and Amazon Comprehend. The goal was to help beginners move beyond theory and experience how cloud services work together in a real setup.

This workshop was designed to make cloud concepts approachable, practical, and confidence-building for learners starting their AWS journey.

Transcript

1. Cloud 101 with AWS The What, Why, and How
2. Warda Liaqat Warda is a Cloud DevOps Engineer with hands-on experience managing AWS, Azure and VMware environments, Active Directory, and backup infrastructures like Veeam. She’s an AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Terraform Certified professional who actively contributes to the AWS community through talks and workshops on AWS, DevOps, and generative AI. Passionate about empowering WOMEN IN TECH, Warda leads initiatives that bridge technical learning with real-world impact. Consultant Cloud Services – Systems Limited AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-03) LinkedIn: warda-liaqat Instagram: She.talks_tech
3. What is Cloud Computing? Accessing resources over the internet. Laptop User device initiating requests Internet Network connecting endpoints Cloud Remote resources and storage It's like renting computing power instead of owning it.
4. Why the Cloud? The digital world runs on the cloud, powering your favorite apps and experiences.
5. Local vs. Cloud Why should you care? Your Computer Limited resources The Cloud Limitless possibilities Netflix Spotify Gaming Servers
6. Why Cloud Matters Revolutionizing how we build and scale. Traditional Data Center High upfront costs Slow scaling Maintenance burden Cloud Computing Pay-as-you-go Instant scalability Managed services
7. What is AWS? Your cloud innovation toolbox. Amazon Web Services: The largest cloud provider. Global Reach Modular Services Massive Scale
8. How AWS Works Simple interactions, powerful results. AWS request- response Abstract AWS service Processes the request Response to user Result returned to laptop Processed result Prepared by AWS Request over Internet Sent via network User on laptop Initiates a request You request, AWS delivers.
9. Core AWS Services Building blocks for your ideas. EC2: Compute Virtual Servers S3: Storage Data Lake RDS: Database Managed Data
10. Today's Mission Build a Real Backend API Create a functional API without server headaches. Add AI Intelligence Integrate smart features effortlessly. Connect Frontend to Cloud Link your UI to your powerful backend.
11. Cloud Architecture: The Big Picture Lambda → AI Service API Gateway → Lambda Frontend → API Gateway Browser → Frontend Understand how different AWS services work together.
12. Lab 1: Serverless API (No Servers!) Your Code Write functions, not manage servers. AWS Lambda Runs only when called, instant backend. API Endpoint Your function, now a powerful API. Deploy your backend logic instantly, hassle-free.
13. Lab 2: Add AI to the API Easily integrate advanced AI without machine learning expertise.
14. Frontend + Backend Together Visually connecting user actions to cloud functions.
15. What You Just Built Real-World Architecture Modern, scalable solutions. Resume-Worthy Skills Hands-on cloud expertise. Modern Cloud Stack Ready for future projects. From concept to deployment: you built a functional cloud application!
16. Students & AWS Bring your ideas to life! Student Projects Bring ideas to life with AWS Prototype Build locally and test Deploy to AWS Push code to cloud services Ideate Sketch concept and goals Go Live Host site and monitor Host a Website Deploy Projects Build APIs
17. Cloud Careers Your path to innovation. Learn Certify Intern Innovate
18. Your Cloud Journey Starts Now! Cloud + Skills = Future. Share you feedback of the session!