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. An outdated CLI can lead to compatibility issues with newer services and missing out on performance improvements that streamline daily operations. This guide walks through the standard methods to upgrade AWS CLI on Ubuntu, ensuring you are always working with the latest version.
Understanding AWS CLI Versions
Before initiating an upgrade, it is helpful to understand the two primary distribution channels for the AWS CLI. The first is Version 1, which is the legacy stable branch that receives critical security updates but no new feature development. The second is Version 2, which is the current-generation platform that receives all new features, improvements, and general bug fixes. Most modern deployments should target Version 2, as it represents the future of the interface. When you run the upgrade command, you are specifically targeting the version installed on your machine, typically the user-level installation located in `~/.local/bin/`.
Checking Your Current Installation
To determine the version you currently have active, open your terminal and execute a simple diagnostic command. This step is crucial to verify whether you are already on the latest release or if an update is pending. The command outputs the version number and helps you confirm the installation path. You should run the following to inspect your current setup:
aws --version
This command will display output similar to aws-cli/2.x.x Python/3.x.x Linux/5.x.x source/x86_64.ubuntu.20 , providing immediate insight into the version and runtime environment you are currently using.
Method 1: Upgrading via the Official Installer
The most straightforward and recommended method for upgrading on Ubuntu involves using the built-in installer script provided by AWS. This approach handles the download and replacement of files seamlessly without requiring manual file manipulation. It is designed to preserve your existing configuration files located in `~/.aws/`, ensuring your credentials and settings remain intact. This method is ideal for users who installed the CLI using the initial installer.
Executing the Upgrade Command
To apply the upgrade, you need to fetch the latest installer from the AWS servers and pipe it to your shell. This command automatically detects the architecture of your Ubuntu system and installs the appropriate binary. Run the following command to perform the update:
curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip" && unzip awscliv2.zip && sudo ./aws/install
Upon execution, the terminal will show the installation progress, replacing the old version with the new one while maintaining your personalized settings.
Method 2: Upgrading with APT Package Manager
For users who initially installed the AWS CLI using the APT package manager, the upgrade process aligns with standard Ubuntu software management practices. This method leverages the system’s package repository to pull updates. However, it is important to note that the version delivered through the default Ubuntu repositories might not always be the latest available from AWS. If you require the absolute newest features immediately, the official installer method is generally superior.
Syncing and Updating via APT
To update the CLI managed by APT, you first refresh the package list to ensure you are targeting the most recent version available in the repository. Then, you perform the upgrade operation. Follow these steps to keep your APT-based installation current:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade awscli
