#22 Configuring environment variables in Lambda Console | AWS Serverless
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Environment variables in AWS Lambda are key-value pairs that you can define as part of your Lambda function's configuration. They allow you to pass operational parameters to your function without hardcoding them into your function code. This capability is crucial for managing configuration separately from code, which is a best practice in software development.
Key Features and Uses of Environment Variables in Lambda:
1. *Configuration Management:*
Use environment variables to manage configuration settings that you want to keep separate from your function code. This is particularly useful for changing behavior across different environments (development, staging, production) without changing the code.
2. *Storing Sensitive Information:*
You can store sensitive information, such as database passwords or API keys, in environment variables. For enhanced security, it’s recommended to encrypt these variables using AWS Key Management Service (KMS).
3. *Access within Function Code:*
Environment variables are easily accessible from your Lambda function code. They are available as part of the execution environment and can be read just like regular environment variables in your programming language.
4. *Versioning and Aliases:*
Environment variables can have different values across different versions and aliases of your Lambda function. This allows for different configurations in different deployment stages.
5. *Ease of Modification:*
You can change environment variables in the AWS Lambda console, AWS CLI, or via AWS SDKs, without modifying the function code, making updates and configurations more straightforward.
How to Access Environment Variables in Lambda Functions:
In your Lambda function code, you can access environment variables using the standard method provided by your programming language. For example:
*Node.js:*
```javascript
const databasePassword = process.env.DATABASE_PASSWORD;
```
*Python:*
```python
import os
database_password = os.environ['DATABASE_PASSWORD']
```
*Java:*
```java
String databasePassword = System.getenv("DATABASE_PASSWORD");
```
Best Practices:
1. *Do Not Store Highly Sensitive Information:*
While environment variables can be encrypted, it’s generally recommended not to store highly sensitive information like database credentials. Instead, use AWS Secrets Manager or similar services.
2. *Keep Them Secure:*
If using environment variables for sensitive data, ensure they are encrypted using KMS and limit access to them using IAM policies.
3. *Avoid Overloading:*
Use environment variables judiciously and avoid relying on them for excessive configuration data, as this can make management complex.
Environment variables in AWS Lambda offer a flexible and secure way to manage configuration data, ensuring that your function code remains clean, secure, and easy to manage.