wordpress on aws lambda

Can we run WordPress on AWS Lambda?

Can we deploy WordPress website on AWS Lambda?

Can you run WordPress on AWS Lambda? Well, it’s complicated…

Technically, you could squeeze parts of a WordPress site onto AWS Lambda. But honestly, it’s not the best way to build your blog. Here’s the thing:

  • It gets messy fast: WordPress loves a classic web server setup (think Apache, PHP, MySQL database). Forcing it entirely into Lambda functions is like trying to stuff an elephant into a shoebox – awkward and complex.
  • Performance hiccups: Lambda functions are meant for quick bursts of activity. WordPress is a dynamic system that constantly chats with its database and files. This can lead to slowdowns on Lambda.
  • The dreaded “cold starts”: Lambda functions can be sleepy. If no one’s visited your site for a while, the first load can be painfully slow. Not the user experience you want!
  • Cost surprises: Managing all the bits and pieces you need to make this work on Lambda can get surprisingly expensive.

Smoother alternatives for your WordPress blog on AWS

  • Keep it classic with EC2: Spin up an EC2 instance (a virtual server) and install your usual web stack. This is the most familiar and flexible way to run WordPress on AWS.
  • Lightsail to the rescue: If your blog is on the smaller side, Lightsail makes managing WordPress on AWS a breeze.
  • Let AWS do the heavy lifting:
    • Lightsail offers ready-to-go WordPress instances. Super easy!
    • Use Amazon RDS to manage your database without the headache.
    • Elastic Beanstalk can automate a lot of the setup and scaling for your WordPress environment.

Okay, but what if I really want to try Lambda? (Not ideal, but here’s the gist)

  • Build a custom PHP runtime: Lambda needs instructions on how to handle PHP.
  • S3 for storage: Your files will live on Amazon S3.
  • Database goes serverless: Look into Amazon Aurora Serverless.
  • API Gateway is the front door: Lets users access your Lambda function.
  • Frameworks help: Consider Bref to simplify this wild ride.

Important Extras:

  • Caching is your friend: Store frequently used data temporarily to speed things up.
  • Static stuff goes fast: Images, CSS, and JavaScript files are happier living directly on S3 and using a CDN like CloudFront for lightning-fast delivery around the world.

Heads up: Even with tricks, WordPress on Lambda might still struggle with heavy traffic or fancy features.

Want to explore the easier EC2, Lightsail, or Elastic Beanstalk options? Let me know!