My Introduction to AWS Cloud and What I Learned

Introduction

Hey everyone, it's Chetan! I’ve been exploring AWS and cloud computing for a while, but I never kept track of my journey—until now. So, I’m starting this blog as both a learning journal and a record of my AWS journey.

Through this blog, I’ll be tracking what I learn each day, the hands-on work I do, and any challenges I overcome. My goal is to stay consistent, build a strong foundation in AWS, and eventually use this as a portfolio to showcase my progress.

What I Explored So Far

Before diving into my daily AWS learning journey, I want to briefly share how I found useful resources and structured my learning. Here’s how I started and what resources helped me along the way.:

1. YouTube

I started with YouTube, where I found freeCodeCamp’s AWS Cloud Practitioner video. This gave me a complete overview of AWS services, architecture, and exam-related topics.

After that, I attempted mock tests and failed multiple times—but those failures helped me understand how the exam is structured and pinpoint my weak areas.

2. AWS Official Resources

Once I identified my weaknesses, I turned to AWS’s official resources. At first, the information seemed overwhelming, but I gradually learned how to use these materials effectively.

AWS Skill Builder

This platform provided everything I needed:

• Hands-on labs (Free/Paid) – Practical exercises to reinforce learning.

• Exam prep – Guides and practice tests for all AWS certifications.

• Exam guides – Structured outlines for certification exams.

• Courses (Free/Paid) – Video lessons covering different AWS topics.

• Cloud Quest – A game-based learning experience.

• Badges – Earned upon completing courses, hands-on labs, or certifications.

Overview of AWS Services

A well-organized section listing AWS services that are likely to appear in the exam. I haven’t scheduled my exam yet since I want to build a strong foundation first.

AWS Educate

If someone asks me where to begin, I’d recommend AWS Educate. It’s a great starting point for understanding AWS basics. The simulation labs are instruction-based, guiding you step by step—less room for exploration, but good for learning how to launch and manage services.

Credly

All the badges I’ve earned from AWS Skill Builder, Educate, and other AWS programs are displayed on Credly, like medals of achievement. You can check out my profile here.

Credly also has a collection of badges from various organizations: Amazon Web Services Training and Certification.

3. Mock Exams

I regret not starting mock exams earlier—I saw recommendations on Reddit but ignored them at first. Now, I include them in my daily routine as a core learning activity. They help build confidence, familiarize me with the exam format, and highlight areas I need to improve.

What’s Next?

I haven’t taken the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam yet because I’m not in a rush—I want to truly understand and retain the concepts for the long term. That’s why I’m starting this blog. To be honest, this is my first-ever blog, and writing everything down feels a bit exhausting. But I know it’ll get easier with time!

As someone new to cloud computing, I want to ensure I track my progress effectively. Since I’m learning from scratch, I want to make sure I track my progress properly. Instead of just studying and moving on, I’ll be documenting my journey as I go through the four domains of the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam prep.

Purpose of the Blog

For now, the purpose of this blog is to record my experience in cloud computing. I’ll be documenting what I come across in each AWS domain, including:

• Concepts – Key ideas and principles.

• AWS Services – How different services work.

• Hands-on Practice – My practical learning experiences.

• Challenges & Solutions – Issues I face and how I solve them.

By doing this, I’ll not only build a habit of consistency but also create a structured learning record that I can look back on. Plus, it might help others who are just starting out in AWS like me!

Next Step

Next, I will start covering Domain 1: Cloud Concepts (Part 1). To keep things concise, I’ll break it into multiple posts.

Let's Connect

I’ll be sharing my progress across different platforms to engage with the community and build my portfolio. Feel free to connect with me here:

• Hashnode – My main blog for recording daily AWS learning.

• Medium – Cross-posting my blogs for a wider audience.

• Dev.to – Engaging with the developer community and sharing insights.

• LinkedIn – Showcasing my progress to recruiters and networking with cloud professionals.

• Twitter/X – Sharing quick updates, AWS tips, and engaging with cloud learners.

If you're also learning AWS or working in cloud computing, feel free to follow along. Let’s grow together!