Using the AWS CLI

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the general use, common features, and options available in the AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI), going beyond the details covered in the Configuration Using endpoints in the AWS CLI section.

This guide delves into the fundamental aspects of writing AWS CLI commands, including their basic structure, formatting, and filtering capabilities. By understanding these core elements, you'll be able to construct commands that precisely target the resources and actions you require, without the need to navigate complex web-based consoles.

Additionally, this highlights the help content and documentation available for the AWS CLI. From the built-in command line help to the comprehensive AWS CLI version 2 reference guide, you'll have access to information to assist you in exploring the features and capabilities of the AWS CLI.

For AWS service specific examples and use cases, see Code examples for the AWS CLI or the AWS CLI version 2 reference guide. These provide command specific information and demonstrate examples on how to leverage the AWS CLI for various AWS services.

Note

By default, the AWS CLI sends requests to AWS services by using HTTPS on TCP port 443. To ensure successful use of the AWS CLI, you must be able to make outbound connections on this port.

Topics in this guide

• Accessing help and resources for the AWS CLI

• Command structure in the AWS CLI

• Specifying parameter values in the AWS CLI

• Enabling and using command prompts in the AWS CLI

• Controlling command output in the AWS CLI

• Command line return codes in the AWS CLI

• Using custom wizards to run interactive commands in the AWS CLI

• Creating and using aliases in the AWS CLI