AWS CLI vs Bash-My-AWS: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare the key differences between AWS CLI and Bash-My-AWS.

1. Installation and Setup: AWS CLI requires separate installation and setup, including the installation of Python and the AWS CLI software. On the other hand, Bash-My-AWS can be easily added to the Bash shell by sourcing its script.

2. Ease of Use: AWS CLI provides a comprehensive command-line interface for interacting with AWS services, but it requires the users to memorize specific commands and syntax. Bash-My-AWS, on the other hand, simplifies the usage by introducing shortcut commands and aliases that are easier to remember and use.

3. Flexibility: AWS CLI offers a wide range of commands and options to manage various AWS resources and services. It provides granular control over every aspect of AWS. In contrast, Bash-My-AWS focuses more on high-level commands and simplification, sacrificing some of the flexibility provided by AWS CLI.

4. Scripting Abilities: AWS CLI offers powerful scripting capabilities with its robust command-line interface. It allows users to automate tasks and build complex scripts for managing AWS resources. Bash-My-AWS, although not as powerful as AWS CLI in terms of scripting, provides basic scripting capabilities and can be easily extended with custom scripts.

5. Completion Support: AWS CLI provides auto-completion support for commands and options, allowing users to quickly navigate and execute commands. Bash-My-AWS also offers auto-completion support, but it further enhances the experience by providing completion for resource names, making it even faster to work with AWS resources.

6. Community Support and Documentation: AWS CLI is backed by the well-established AWS community and has extensive official documentation with detailed examples and guides. Bash-My-AWS has a smaller community but still provides community support and documentation. However, the availability of detailed documentation and examples for Bash-My-AWS may be comparatively limited.

In summary, AWS CLI and Bash-My-AWS have different approaches to managing AWS resources. AWS CLI offers a powerful and comprehensive command-line interface, while Bash-My-AWS simplifies the usage and provides shortcuts and aliases for easier interaction with AWS services. The choice between the two depends on the user's preferences, level of scripting requirements, and familiarity with command-line interfaces.