Grow when the crowd arrives — EC2 Auto Scaling

Your goal

Create an instance group configuration and change its desired capacity.

Why this matters

A server group needs a desired size within a safe range. You will create a launch template and group, change its desired capacity, and inspect the stored setting. No real machines are provisioned.

Words you will use

Scaling out adds instances. Scaling in removes them. Desired capacity is the number the group is trying to run.

How to proceed

Start a fresh emulator, read each numbered step, and enter the practice settings shown. Run the action, inspect its API receipt, then continue. Finish lab checks the emulator state again before saving your progress.

1. Create the group and launch template

Create a launch template and an Auto Scaling group with a range of one to four instances. The emulator models these API resources, rather than starting real virtual machines.

2. Set the desired capacity

Choose a target within the group’s allowed range and submit the change. Desired capacity expresses intent; health checks and available capacity affect real running instances.

Desired instance count: Choose 1–4 instances, within the configured group range. Suggested practice value: 2.

3. Read the group configuration

Describe the group and compare DesiredCapacity with your target. Inspect the minimum and maximum alongside it so the target has a clear boundary.

Practice, then check your understanding

Perform the actions yourself and inspect the returned state. Errors keep your settings so you can retry. Starting another lab clears the previous live environment. Earned XP is kept, and signed-in achievements sync to your account. Replay does not award duplicate XP.

Read the official AWS documentation for service behavior and production details.