Managing infrastructure on Amazon Web Services often begins with the command line, and keeping the AWS Command Line Interface up to date on an Ubuntu system is a fundamental practice for efficiency and security. A current version ensures access to the latest service features, performance improvements, and critical bug fixes that simplify complex administrative tasks. This guide walks through the standard methods for upgrading the AWS CLI on Ubuntu, addressing both the bundled installer and the increasingly common pip-based approach.
Why Upgrading the AWS CLI on Ubuntu Matters
Running an outdated version of the AWS CLI can lead to inconsistencies when executing commands or applying new IAM policies. New API operations are added regularly by AWS, and the CLI must be current to interact with them without error. Furthermore, security patches are backported to newer releases, making the upgrade process a vital part of your operational hygiene rather than a mere convenience.
Checking Your Current Installation
Before initiating an upgrade, it is essential to verify the version currently installed on your Ubuntu machine. This step confirms that an upgrade is necessary and provides a baseline for validating the success of the update. You can quickly check the build details by running the following command in your terminal.
Current Version Command
Execute the command below to display the currently installed version of the AWS CLI. The output will typically show the version number and the path to the executable, which helps confirm the installation method used initially.
Command and Expected Output
Upgrading Using the Bundled Installer
The AWS bundled installer is the recommended method for most users, as it downloads the latest version directly from AWS and handles the file placement automatically. This approach is straightforward and reduces the dependency on external package managers, ensuring a clean and consistent installation process.
Step-by-Step Upgrade Process
To upgrade using the bundled installer, you first download the latest installer script from AWS, make it executable, and then run it. This process replaces the existing files while preserving your configured profiles and settings located in the ~/.aws directory.
Execution Commands
Run the following sequence of commands in your terminal. The curl command retrieves the installer, chmod adds execution permissions, and the final script executes the upgrade.
Commands to Run
Upgrading with Pip3
For developers who manage multiple Python packages on their Ubuntu system, using pip3 to upgrade the AWS CLI is a familiar workflow. This method integrates the CLI into the existing Python environment, which is useful if you prefer version management via Pip.
