Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Static Website on AWS S3 Using CLI and EC2

This article provides a detailed tutorial on how to create and host a static website using Amazon S3, the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), and an EC2 instance. Aimed at users wanting to practice AWS tools, the step-by-step workshop includes setting up an S3 bucket, creating an IAM user with full S3 access, and uploading static files such as HTML and images. Users first configure the AWS CLI on an Amazon Linux EC2 instance via Systems Manager. Then, they create a uniquely named S3 bucket and enable it for static website hosting. They also create a dedicated IAM user and assign the necessary policies. The guide walks through downloading and uploading content to the S3 bucket using the CLI, ensuring public read access for web visitors. It also explains how to automate future updates to the website by creating a shell script for batch uploads. Finally, users are instructed to modify the site’s HTML file and redeploy it using the script. This hands-on workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to reinforce practical AWS skills in S3, IAM, and automation.