Cloud computing is often introduced through definitions, diagrams, and long explanations.
But cloud really clicks when you build something real, something cool.
Recently, I delivered a Cloud 101 with AWS workshop for computer science students at UMT Lahore, with one clear goal:
No boring demos. No heavy theory. Just real cloud building.
This post is a quick reflection on the session, what we built, and why this approach worked so well.
Why "Cloud 101" Needed a Rethink
Many beginner cloud sessions still focus on spinning up virtual machines or hosting static websites. While those concepts are important, they don't reflect how modern cloud applications are built today.
Students don't just want to understand cloud, they want to use it.
So instead of starting with servers, we focused on:
- Serverless computing
- APIs
- Managed AI services
- Real-world cloud architecture
All within a 2-hour hands-on workshop.
The Big Questions We Started With
Before touching AWS, we framed the session around three simple questions:
- What is cloud computing really?
- Why does it matter for developers?
- How do modern applications actually use cloud services?
The answers became much clearer once we started building.
What We Built in the Workshop
During the session, we built a serverless backend application using AWS services that are commonly used in real-world systems.
The stack:
- AWS Lambda – to run backend logic without managing servers
- Amazon API Gateway – to expose APIs over HTTP
- Amazon Comprehend – to add AI-based sentiment analysis
- Amazon S3 – to host a simple frontend
The frontend had two buttons:
- One calling a Quote API
- One calling a Sentiment Analysis API
Each button triggered a different API route, which invoked a different Lambda function.
This helped students understand routing, separation of concerns, and how services interact.
The Architecture (Big Picture)
At a high level, the flow looked like this:
This wasn't just a demo architecture, it mirrors how many real production systems are designed today.
Why This Approach Worked
This workshop format worked particularly well because:
- Students didn't have to manage servers or infrastructure
- Everything felt immediate and interactive
- AI integration felt accessible, not intimidating, and fun at the same time
- The architecture matched modern industry practices
- Students walked away with something resume-worthy
Many participants were surprised by how little code was required to build a functional cloud-backed application.
Learning Beyond the Workshop
To help students continue learning after the session, I've shared the complete project code on GitHub, including:
- Python Lambda functions
- API Gateway route structure
- Frontend example
- Setup and cleanup guidance
👉 GitHub repository: cloud-101-aws-serverless-ai
Final Thoughts
Cloud is not just a technology, it's an enabler.
For students and early-career developers, my biggest advice is simple:
Build small, build often, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Cloud doesn't have to be overwhelming.
With the right starting point, it becomes empowering.
If you're interested in similar workshops or hands-on cloud learning, feel free to connect with me.
Thanks for reading ☁️
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