Difference between a snapshot and AMI

0 votes
I just learned about snapshots for volume backups, but what makes an AMI different? Can anyone help me understand?
Oct 18 in AWS by Priyanka
• 4,080 points
51 views

1 answer to this question.

0 votes

When I was using AWS for data backups, I learned about two main concepts: snapshots and AMIs (Amazon Machine Images). Understanding the differences between them helped me decide on the best backup method for my needs.

So here is the actual difference I found while I was understanding. Just have  a look :

Snapshots AMIs 
A snapshot is a backup of an EBS volume at a specific time. An AMI is a complete package that includes the operating system and applications.
It captures only the data from one volume. It contains everything needed to launch a new EC2 instance.
Snapshots are mainly used for data recovery and backups. AMIs are used to quickly create new EC2 instances.
You cannot launch a server directly from a snapshot. You can easily launch new instances directly from an AMI.
Snapshots are primarily for data safety. AMIs are primarily for deploying new servers or environments.

For more details to restore EC2 from Snapshot click here

answered Oct 25 by Jaanu

Related Questions In AWS

+1 vote
1 answer

What is the difference between an Instance, AMI and Snaphots in AWS?

AMI is the Amazon Machine Image which provides ...READ MORE

answered May 24, 2019 in AWS by ArchanaNagur
• 2,360 points
4,224 views
0 votes
0 answers
+3 votes
10 answers

Difference between s3n, s3a and s3?

S3 Native FileSystem (URI scheme: s3n) A ...READ MORE

answered Oct 25, 2018 in AWS by Rishab rohan
40,729 views
0 votes
1 answer
0 votes
1 answer

What is the difference between Amazon Cloudfront and S3

major difference is that cloudfront allows you ...READ MORE

answered Jul 10, 2018 in AWS by Priyaj
• 58,020 points
1,809 views
+1 vote
4 answers

What is the difference between Amazon ECS and Amazon EC2?

EC2 allows you to launch individual instances ...READ MORE

answered Jul 11, 2018 in AWS by Priyaj
• 58,020 points
43,563 views
0 votes
1 answer
0 votes
1 answer
0 votes
1 answer
webinar REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR X
REGISTER NOW
webinar_success Thank you for registering Join Edureka Meetup community for 100+ Free Webinars each month JOIN MEETUP GROUP