Question

What is the AWS Lambda function execution timeout?

Answer 1

The AWS Lambda function execution timeout is the maximum amount of time that a Lambda function can run before AWS forcibly terminates it. As of the latest information:

• The maximum execution timeout for an AWS Lambda function is 15 minutes (900 seconds).

This means that a Lambda function invocation can run for up to 15 minutes from start to finish. If the function execution exceeds this timeout period, AWS Lambda will automatically terminate the function and return an error to the invoking service or application.

Setting the Execution Timeout:

You can set the timeout for your Lambda function when you create it or update its configuration. The timeout setting specifies the maximum duration (in seconds) that Lambda allows for the function to complete its execution. It's important to configure this timeout appropriately based on your function's processing requirements and to avoid unnecessary costs or timeouts.

How to Set Timeout:

1. Using AWS Management Console:

   • Navigate to the Lambda function in the AWS Management Console.
   • Go to the "Configuration" tab.
   • Find the "General configuration" section.
   • Update the "Timeout" field to the desired value (up to 900 seconds).

2. Using AWS CLI:

   • When creating a Lambda function:

     aws lambda create-function --function-name my-function --runtime nodejs14.x --handler index.handler --role arn:aws:iam::account-id:role/execution-role --timeout 300 

     Replace --timeout 300 with the desired timeout in seconds.

   • When updating a Lambda function's configuration:

     aws lambda update-function-configuration --function-name my-function --timeout 300 

     Again, replace --timeout 300 with the desired timeout in seconds.

3. Using AWS SDKs:

   • Depending on the SDK you are using (e.g., AWS SDK for Python, Java, Node.js), you can programmatically set or update the Timeout property of the Lambda function's configuration.

Considerations:

• Function Duration: Ensure your Lambda function completes within the configured timeout to avoid being terminated mid-execution.

• Cost Efficiency: Longer timeouts may result in higher costs if your function frequently uses the maximum time allowed.

• Performance Optimization: Optimize your Lambda function's code and resources to achieve efficient execution within the timeout limit.

By setting an appropriate execution timeout, you can ensure that your AWS Lambda functions operate efficiently and reliably within the expected processing time constraints.