This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ayomide
This guide walks through the process of deploying a simple web page using Nginx on an AWS EC2 instance, including proper setup, and best practices. It is your starter kit for future seamless deployments.
Prerequisites
- AWS account with appropriate permissions
- Basic understanding of Linux commands
- Web browser access to AWS Management Console
Step 1: Creating an EC2 Instance
- Navigate to AWS Console
- Go to aws.amazon.com and sign in
- Search for "EC2" in the top search bar
- Select "EC2" from the services list
-
Launch Instance Configuration
- Click "Launch Instance" button
- Enter a meaningful name for your instance
- Select Ubuntu Server as the Amazon Machine Image (AMI)
- Alternative: Amazon Linux 2 (uses yum instead of apt)
- Choose instance type (t2.micro is eligible for free tier)
- Create or select a key pair for SSH access
-
Network Security Configuration
- Create a new security group or select existing
- Add inbound rules:
- HTTP (Port 80)
- HTTPS (Port 443)
- SSH (Port 22)
- Configure security group name and description
Step 2: User Data Configuration
Add the following script in the user data section during instance creation. This script will automatically install and configure Nginx when the instance launches.
#!/bin/bash
# Update package lists
apt update
apt upgrade -y
# Install nginx
apt install -y nginx
# Display nginx version
nginx -v
# Start and enable nginx service
systemctl start nginx
systemctl enable nginx
# Set permissions for web root directory
chmod 2775 /var/www/html
find /var/www/html -type d -exec chmod 2775 {} \;
find /var/www/html -type f -exec chmod 0664 {} \;
# Create custom index page
echo "<h3> Welcome to DevOps Stage 0 - Ayomide/Mischief </h3>" > /var/www/html/index.html
Step 3: Launch and Verify
-
Launch the instance
- Review all configurations
- Click "Launch Instance"
-
Verify Deployment
- Wait 2-3 minutes for instance to initialize
- Copy the public IP address from instance details
- Open a web browser and navigate to: http://54.236.249.255
- You should see your custom welcome page
Step 4: Maintenance and Clean Up
-
Regular Maintenance
- Regularly update system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade - Monitor system logs:
sudo tail -f /var/log/nginx/access.log - Check Nginx status:
sudo systemctl status nginx
- Regularly update system packages:
-
Clean Up
- Stop instance when not in use: AWS Console → EC2 → Select Instance → Instance State → Stop
- To permanently remove: AWS Console → EC2 → Select Instance → Instance State → Terminate
- Remember to delete associated resources (EBS volumes, Elastic IPs) to avoid charges
Troubleshooting
If the web page doesn't load:
- Verify instance status is "running"
- Check security group settings
- Verify Nginx is running:
sudo systemctl status nginx - Check Nginx error logs:
sudo cat /var/log/nginx/error.log
Remember: Always terminate resources you're not actively using to avoid unnecessary AWS charges.
To be connected to top talents who make the entire deployment process feel like a breeze, visit HNG Tech.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ayomide
Ayomide | Sciencx (2025-01-30T01:28:51+00:00) Setting up a basic Nginx webpage on AWS EC2 Instance. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/01/30/setting-up-a-basic-nginx-webpage-on-aws-ec2-instance/
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