This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Khadija sajid
Ever wondered how Instagram or Netflix never crash, even with millions of users?
As a computer science student, I’ve always been curious about how technology works behind the scenes. That curiosity led me to discover AWS (Amazon Web Services), the hidden power source that keeps apps running, data updated worldwide, and services customized at scale.
What makes AWS so exciting is that it isn’t just for big tech companies; it’s also for students like us. AWS provides free credits so we can experiment without spending money. You can:
- Host a personal website
- Build projects
- Practice machine learning
- Run heavy code even if your laptop is slow
In short, AWS removes many of the challenges we face as students. Limited storage? Use AWS cloud space. Want to take your project live? Host it in minutes. Worried about data loss? AWS keeps it secure.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its core services:
- Compute → The “brain” where apps run
- Storage → An online hard drive to keep files safe
- Databases → Store & organize information
- Networking → Connect everything like roads in a city
- AI & ML tools → Try image recognition, speech-to-text, and more—without building from scratch.
- Security → Protects your data at every step
So, the next time you use Netflix, Instagram, or any large-scale app, remember—AWS is working silently in the background.
And the best part? You and I can explore the same technology today. Has anyone here tried AWS credits for student projects?
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Khadija sajid