AWS AppSync: A Complete Guide

AWS AppSync is a managed service by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows developers to create applications that are able to process real-time data updates and function across different devices. It had GraphQL, which is something that allows you to request data from various sources, like databases and APIs, without having to know how they actually work under the hood.

• Simplifies Development: Developers can focus on building features instead of worrying about backend systems. AWS AppSync handles tasks like connecting to databases, managing data updates, and scaling the application automatically.
• Real-Time Data: It allows applications to update instantly when data changes. For example, in a chat app, new messages appear immediately without refreshing the page.
• Offline Support: Apps can work even when there’s no internet. Data is saved locally and synced once the connection is restored. This is useful for mobile apps in areas with poor connectivity.
• Scalability: Businesses don’t need to worry about handling large amounts of traffic. AppSync automatically adjusts to handle more users or data requests as needed.
• Cost Efficiency: Since it’s serverless, businesses save money by only paying for what they use instead of maintaining expensive servers.

• Learning Curve: Requires understanding GraphQL and AppSync specifics, potentially slowing initial development compared to REST.
• Debugging Complexity: Pinpointing errors across AppSync, resolvers, and data sources can be challenging.
• Potential Costs: Real-time features and inefficient queries can lead to unpredictable or high usage costs despite the pay-per-use model.
• Vendor Lock-in: Deep integration with AWS makes future migration to other platforms more difficult.
• Resolver Complexity: Implementing complex business logic within resolvers (especially VTL) can be cumbersome.
• Occasional Latency: Like other serverless tech, resolvers might sometimes experience “cold starts,” causing brief delays.

Traditional API development can be time-consuming and rigid. Developers often need to write a lot of code to handle different requests, which makes updates and scaling harder. This can slow down projects and create frustration.

This is where things get simpler with GraphQL. It allows apps to request precisely the data they need and no more. Using this in combination with a serverless setup, you don’t have the burden of maintaining servers.

It all works seamlessly in the background, streamlining work and saving time. A managed service manages the good bits making it easier to build fast, flexible and scalable applications.

AWS AppSync is a serverless service that simplifies building modern applications by connecting them to data sources through GraphQL APIs. It plays a key role in the serverless ecosystem by enabling developers to create scalable, efficient, and real-time applications without managing infrastructure.

Integration with Other AWS Services

AppSync integrates seamlessly with various AWS services to provide a unified platform for data access and management. Key integrations include:

• Amazon DynamoDB: A fast and scalable database for storing structured data.
• AWS Lambda: Enables custom business logic by running code in response to API requests.
• Amazon RDS: Supports SQL-based data storage for relational databases.
• Amazon OpenSearch Service: Allows quick search functionality for large datasets.

Additionally, AppSync supports authentication services like Amazon Cognito and IAM, ensuring secure access to APIs. It also facilitates real-time updates via WebSocket connections, making it ideal for dynamic applications like live dashboards or chat systems.

Role in Modern Architectures

In modern serverless architectures, AppSync acts as the central hub for managing API requests and data flow. Its benefits include:

• Simplified Data Access: Combines multiple data sources into a single API endpoint using GraphQL.
• Real-Time Features: Supports subscriptions to stream live updates directly to clients.
• Cost Efficiency: Operates on a pay-per-use model, reducing costs for developers.
• High Scalability: Automatically handles increasing traffic without additional setup.

By leveraging AppSync, developers can focus on building features rather than managing backend systems, making it a cornerstone of serverless application development.

AWS AppSync is a powerful managed service offered by Amazon Web Services that simplifies the process of building modern applications by connecting them to multiple data sources through a single, unified GraphQL API.

This approach enables developers to leverage real-time updates, offline data access, and robust security measures, making the development of data-driven applications faster, more efficient, and highly scalable.

GraphQL Fundamentals

GraphQL is the core technology behind AWS AppSync, acting as a query language that allows applications to request specific data from servers. Unlike traditional REST APIs, GraphQL provides a flexible way to fetch data, reducing unnecessary data transfer and improving performance.

• Schema: The schema serves as the blueprint or the contract for your GraphQL API. It defines what data is available, how it can be accessed, and what operations can be performed on it. Think of it as a map that guides both the client and server on how to communicate effectively.
• Types: These are the building blocks of your schema, describing the structure of your data. For example, if you have a user profile, a type might define what fields are included, such as name, email, and address. Types ensure that data is consistent and predictable.
• Queries: Queries are used to fetch data from the server. They are similar to asking questions, like “What is the current weather?” or “Get all user profiles.” Queries allow clients to specify exactly what data they need, reducing unnecessary data transfer.
• Mutations: Mutations are used to modify or update data on the server. They are like actions, such as “Add a new user profile” or “Update an existing order.” Mutations ensure that data is changed in a controlled and predictable manner.
• Subscriptions: Subscriptions enable real-time updates by maintaining an open connection between the client and server. When data changes, the server pushes updates to the client immediately. This is useful for applications like live chat, real-time dashboards, or notification systems.

GraphQL’s flexibility and efficiency make it an ideal choice for modern app development, allowing clients to request only the data they need and reducing the overhead of unnecessary data transfer.

AppSync Architecture & Components

AWS AppSync acts as a bridge between client applications and backend services, providing a unified interface to access data from multiple sources. The architecture includes several key components:

• API: The API is the entry point where client applications send requests. It acts as a single interface for accessing data from various backend systems.
• Data Sources: These are the places where your application’s data is stored or generated. Common data sources include databases like DynamoDB or relational databases like RDS, serverless functions like AWS Lambda, external services accessed via HTTP APIs, and search engines like Elasticsearch/OpenSearch.
• Resolvers: Resolvers are functions that process API requests and fetch the correct data from the specified sources. They act as translators, converting GraphQL queries into instructions that backend systems can understand. Resolvers handle data fetching, processing, and transformation, ensuring that the data returned to the client is in the expected format.
• Schema Definition: The schema definition outlines the rules for how data can be queried or updated. It defines the types, queries, mutations, and subscriptions available in the API, ensuring consistency and predictability in data access and manipulation.

This architecture allows developers to integrate multiple backend systems into a single, unified API endpoint, simplifying app development and reducing the complexity of managing multiple data sources.

Understanding Data Sources

AWS AppSync supports a variety of data sources, each suited for different needs and use cases:

• DynamoDB: DynamoDB is a fast, fully managed NoSQL database service that provides high performance and seamless scalability. It is ideal for storing structured data that requires fast access and retrieval, such as user profiles or product catalogs.
• Lambda: AWS Lambda is a serverless compute service that allows you to run code without provisioning or managing servers. Lambda functions can be used as data sources to execute custom logic or integrate with external services. This is useful for tasks like data processing, validation, or transformation.
• HTTP APIs: HTTP APIs enable AppSync to connect to external services or APIs. This allows integration with third-party services, legacy systems, or other cloud providers, expanding the reach of your application’s data sources.
• RDS: Amazon RDS provides a managed relational database service that supports popular database engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and Amazon Aurora. RDS is ideal for applications requiring complex transactions, data consistency, or relational data modeling.
• Elasticsearch/OpenSearch: Elasticsearch and OpenSearch are powerful search and analytics engines that allow you to search, monitor, and analyze large volumes of data in real time. They are particularly useful for applications requiring full-text search, log analysis, or real-time analytics.

These diverse data sources give developers the flexibility to choose the best storage or processing system for their application’s specific needs.

Working with Resolvers

Resolvers in AWS AppSync play a crucial role in bridging the gap between client requests and backend systems. Here’s how they work:

1. Mapping Requests: Resolvers convert GraphQL queries into instructions that backend systems can understand. This involves mapping the fields requested in the GraphQL query to the corresponding fields in the data source.
2. Data Transformations: After fetching data from the source, resolvers can perform transformations to ensure the data is in the format expected by the client. This might involve converting data types, filtering out unnecessary fields, or aggregating data from multiple sources.
3. Pipeline Resolvers: For complex operations, pipeline resolvers break down the process into smaller, sequential steps. Each step can perform a specific task, such as fetching data from one source, processing it, and then fetching additional data from another source. This approach allows for more sophisticated data processing and integration workflows.

Resolvers ensure efficient communication between apps and their data sources, handling the complexities of data access and manipulation.

Real-time Data with Subscriptions

AWS AppSync’s support for real-time data through subscriptions is a powerful feature that enables applications to receive updates instantly when data changes. This is particularly useful in scenarios like:

• Chat Applications: Deliver new messages to users in real time, creating a seamless and interactive experience.
• Live Dashboards: Update statistics or metrics in real time, such as stock prices or traffic updates.
• Notifications: Alert users about changes or events, such as new comments on a post or updates to a shared document.

To implement subscriptions:

1. Define Subscriptions in Your Schema: Include subscription types in your GraphQL schema to specify what events trigger updates.
2. Use WebSockets: Maintain live connections between clients and the server using WebSockets, which enable bidirectional communication.

For best practices:

• Optimize Updates: Only send essential updates to minimize bandwidth usage and reduce server load.
• Secure Connections: Use authentication methods like API keys or AWS Cognito to protect connections and ensure that only authorized users receive updates.

Subscriptions make applications more interactive and responsive by delivering timely updates directly to users, enhancing the overall user experience and engagement.

AWS AppSync is a powerful service that helps developers build applications that work with real-time and offline data. It uses GraphQL, a technology that lets apps request only the data they need, making it efficient and flexible. Below, we’ll explore how to create an AppSync API, integrate it with frontend frameworks, secure it with authentication, improve performance through caching, and handle offline data.

Creating Your First AppSync API

Creating your first AppSync API involves a few straightforward steps:

Using the AWS Console:

1. Log In and Navigate: Start by logging into the AWS Management Console and navigating to the AppSync dashboard.
2. Create API: Click on “Create API” and choose “Start from scratch” or use a sample schema provided by AWS. This schema defines how your data is structured.
3. Define Data Model: Define your data model by specifying the types of data you want to store. For example, if you’re building a blog app, you might have types for posts and comments.
4. Connect to Database: Connect your data model to a database like DynamoDB. AppSync supports several data sources, including AWS Lambda functions.
5. Test Your API: Use the built-in query editor to test your API. You can write GraphQL queries to fetch data and see how it works.

Using Amplify CLI:

1. Install Amplify CLI: First, install the Amplify CLI using npm (npm install -g @aws-amplify/cli).
2. Initialize Project: Run amplify init to set up your project. This will create a new directory for your project and configure it for Amplify.
3. Add API: Run amplify add api to create an AppSync API. Choose GraphQL as the API type and follow the prompts to define your schema.
4. Deploy API: Once configured, deploy the API using amplify push. This command will create the necessary AWS resources for your API.
5. Test with Amplify: Use the Amplify libraries in your frontend code to connect to your API and test it.

Integrating with Frontend Frameworks

AppSync integrates seamlessly with popular frontend frameworks, making it easy to build robust applications:

React:

• Install Amplify: Start by installing the Amplify library (npm install aws-amplify).
• Configure Amplify: Configure Amplify with your AppSync API details. This involves setting up the API endpoint and authentication.
• Write Queries: Use GraphQL queries in your React components to fetch and update data. Amplify provides hooks like useQuery and useMutation to simplify this process.

Angular and Vue.js:

• Install Amplify: Similar to React, install Amplify (npm install aws-amplify) and configure it with your API details.
• Integrate with Components: Use Amplify’s GraphQL API in your Angular or Vue.js components. This involves setting up services or using Amplify’s hooks to manage data fetching and updates.

iOS and Android:

• Use AWS SDKs: For mobile apps, use the AWS SDKs for iOS (Swift) or Android (Java/Kotlin).
• Configure AppSync: Configure the SDK with your AppSync endpoint and authentication details.
• Write Queries: Write GraphQL queries directly in your mobile app code to interact with your API.

Authentication & Authorization

AppSync supports multiple methods for securing your API:

API Keys:

• Simple Security: API keys are straightforward but best for testing or public apps without sensitive data.
• Limitations: They don’t provide fine-grained access control, so they’re not ideal for complex applications.

IAM Roles:

• Fine-Grained Control: Use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles for detailed access control. This is ideal for backend systems or when you need to manage access based on specific AWS resources.
• Complex Setup: Setting up IAM roles can be complex, but it provides robust security.

Amazon Cognito User Pools:

• User Management: Cognito User Pools manage users securely with sign-up/sign-in features. This is perfect for apps that need user authentication.
• Easy Integration: Amplify makes it easy to integrate Cognito with your frontend code.

OpenID Connect:

• External Providers: Connect external identity providers like Google or Facebook for authentication. This allows users to log in with existing accounts.
• Flexibility: Supports multiple providers, making it flexible for different user bases.

Each method ensures that only authorized users can access specific parts of your app, enhancing security and privacy.

Caching & Performance Optimization

Caching is crucial for improving your app’s performance by reducing repeated server requests:

HTTP Caching:

• Temporary Storage: Store frequently requested data temporarily so users don’t have to fetch it again. This is typically managed by browsers or proxies.
• Benefits: Reduces latency and improves user experience by minimizing network requests.

Response Caching:

• GraphQL Responses: Cache GraphQL responses directly in AppSync for faster delivery. This means that if multiple users request the same data, AppSync can return the cached response instead of querying the database again.
• Configuration: You can configure how long responses are cached based on your app’s needs.

Resolver Caching:

• Database Queries: Cache results from database queries or calculations at the resolver level. This reduces the load on your database and speeds up queries.
• Customization: You can customize caching behavior for each resolver based on how often data changes.

These caching strategies make your app faster, reduce costs by minimizing server requests, and enhance overall user experience.

Offline Data Synchronization

Offline synchronization ensures users can access and update data even without internet:

Amplify DataStore:

• Local Data Storage: Amplify DataStore automatically syncs local changes with the cloud when connectivity is restored. This means users can continue working offline, and their changes will be synced once they go online.
• Conflict Resolution: Handles cases where multiple users update the same data. You can choose strategies like client wins, server wins, or custom rules to resolve conflicts.

Conflict Resolution Strategies:

• Client Wins: The client’s version of the data is used when there’s a conflict. This is useful if you want the most recent user action to override previous changes.
• Server Wins: The server’s version of the data is used. This ensures that the authoritative version of data is preserved.
• Custom Rules: You can define custom logic to resolve conflicts based on your app’s specific needs. For example, you might merge changes or use a timestamp to decide which version is more recent.

This feature makes apps reliable in areas with poor internet connectivity, ensuring a seamless user experience regardless of network conditions.

AppSync comes with a host of features that can help you build smarter apps faster, easier to test, and able to handle more data. How, you ask? Well, let’s dig into each of these powerful tools and see just how they can improve your app.

Velocity Templates

Velocity Templates are like special instructions that change how data looks as it moves in and out of your app. For example, if your app needs data in a certain format, these templates can quickly adjust it. It’s like having a helper who rewrites notes so everyone can read them easily.

Pipeline Resolvers

The use of the Pipeline Resolver is for decomposing larger tasks into smaller simpler steps. Each one does just one task, and together they complete the whole task. It helps if you have to inspect or modify the data in a few ways before showing it to the users. It is like making a dish, where each step builds on the last one.

Schema Stitching & Federation

Schema Stitching and Federation let you combine data from different places into one view. If your app needs information from several sources, these features help you join them together. It’s like putting together pieces from different puzzles to make one big, clear picture.

Local Resolvers & Mocking

Local Resolvers and Mocking let you test your app without using real data or connecting to real services. You can pretend to have data and see how your app reacts. This is great for trying out new ideas safely, like practicing a play with fake props before the real show.

Server-Side Batching & Pagination

Batching and Pagination on the Server-Side assist in managing large data. Batching groups many requests. Therefore the app does more, and Pagination breaks large lists. That way, users only see a little at a time.

Securing your AWS AppSync setup is simple when you follow a few key principles. Let’s explore how to protect your data, enforce security rules, monitor activity, and streamline deployments.

Data Protection

Encryption guarantees your data is secure. It is used to keep it safe whether it is being stored or sent over the internet. AWS AppSync encrypts stored data at rest and also encrypts data in transit by using TLS. Fine-grained access control can be applied using AWS IAM or Amazon Cognito so that only certain users can see or change certain data.

Security Best Practices

Protect your API by validating all inputs to prevent harmful data from being processed. Set up authorization rules to control who can access what resources. Add rate limiting to block excessive requests and avoid overloading your system.

Monitoring & Logging

Keep an eye on your system with CloudWatch metrics, which track performance and usage. Use AWS X-Ray tracing to follow requests through your system and quickly find issues. Log errors for better troubleshooting and accountability.

Deployment & CI/CD

Simplify updates with automated deployments that reduce manual errors. Use version control to track changes and roll back if needed. Test thoroughly before deploying to ensure everything works smoothly.

AWS AppSync is a helpful tool for building apps that need live data or need to work offline. It makes complex things like real-time updates simpler for developers.

Real-time Collaboration Apps

AWS AppSync makes it easy to build apps where people work together at the exact same time. It sends updates instantly to everyone using the app, so everyone sees the latest information without refreshing. This is perfect for teamwork tools.

Example: Real-time Chat App

Imagine building a chat app where messages appear live for everyone in the conversation.

• AWS AppSync uses something called WebSockets to keep a connection open.
• When someone sends a message, AppSync pushes it immediately to all other connected users.
• This makes the chat feel instant and live, like a real conversation.
• It can also show typing indicators or read receipts in real-time.

IoT Data Management & Analytics

AWS AppSync can gather data from lots of smart devices (IoT) and show it live. This is great for monitoring sensors or equipment. It acts as a central point to receive and send out real-time data from devices.

Example: Live Temperature Dashboard

Think about a dashboard showing the temperature from sensors in different locations.

• Sensors send temperature readings to AWS IoT Core.
• AWS AppSync gets this data and pushes it to connected dashboards (like a web page).
• Users see the temperature readings change live on the screen as they happen.
• No need to keep hitting refresh; the updates appear automatically.

Mobile & Web Applications

AWS AppSync helps make mobile and web apps work better, even without internet. It also lets apps show information specific to each user easily. This improves the app’s reliability and user experience.

Example: Offline Note-Taking App

Consider a mobile app for taking notes that works even when you lose your internet connection.

• When you’re offline, you can still write and save notes in the app.
• AWS AppSync, often used with tools like Amplify DataStore, saves these changes locally on your device.
• Once you’re back online, it automatically syncs your notes to the cloud.
• It also downloads any notes you might have added from another device.

Serverless Microservices

AWS AppSync can act as a smart doorway (API gateway) for apps built with small, independent parts (microservices). It lets your app talk to many different backend services through one single point. This fits well with serverless designs, where you don’t manage servers directly.

Example: E-commerce Order System

Imagine an online store where placing an order involves checking inventory, processing payment, and arranging shipping.

• The user clicks “Buy” in the app, sending one request to AWS AppSync.
• AppSync acts as the API gateway and calls different microservices (like Inventory, Payment, Shipping) possibly built with AWS Lambda.
• It gathers the results from each service.
• Finally, it sends a single response back to the user confirming the order, hiding the complexity of the backend services.

Let’s look at how AWS AppSync compares to other ways you might build or manage your web links (APIs).

AppSync vs. API Gateway

• GraphQL vs. REST:
  • Think of AppSync like ordering exactly what you want from a menu. It uses GraphQL, which lets your app ask for only the specific pieces of data it needs. Nothing more, nothing less.
  • API Gateway usually uses REST. This is more like ordering a fixed combo meal. You get a set package of data, even if you don’t need all of it. API Gateway can also work with other styles like WebSockets.
  • GraphQL (AppSync) can grab data from many places in just one trip. REST (API Gateway) often means making several trips (requests) to get all the needed info.
• Features:
  • AppSync is built for GraphQL. It has cool built-in features like real-time updates (think live chat or notifications) and helping apps work even when they are offline. It connects easily to data sources like databases (DynamoDB, Aurora) and serverless functions (Lambda).
  • API Gateway is a general tool for managing REST and WebSocket APIs. It acts like a front door for your app’s backend. It can connect to almost any web service or AWS service, giving it broad flexibility. It handles tasks like managing traffic, security, and monitoring.
  • Both offer security features using things like AWS IAM and Amazon Cognito. AppSync offers security rules specific to GraphQL fields.
• Use Cases:
  • Use AppSync when you want the power of GraphQL, especially for apps needing real-time data, offline work, or getting complex data easily (like mobile apps or collaborative tools).
  • Use API Gateway for traditional REST APIs, connecting different small services (microservices), or when you need to connect to many different kinds of backends. It’s great for standard web links and managing high traffic.

AppSync vs. DIY GraphQL Server

• Managed vs. self-hosted:
  • AppSync is managed. This means AWS takes care of the servers, scaling (handling more users automatically), updates, and making sure it’s always running. Think of it like renting a fully furnished apartment – everything is handled for you.
  • A DIY GraphQL Server means you host it yourself. You set up the server (maybe using tools like Apollo Server ), manage the code, handle updates, and figure out how to scale it. It’s like building your own house – you control everything, but it’s more work.
• Pros & Cons:
  • AppSync (Managed):
    • Pros: Easier to start, automatically scales, built-in real-time and offline features, AWS handles the background work. Faster to get your API running.
    • Cons: Might be less flexible than doing everything yourself, potentially higher cost depending on usage (though can be cost-effective for complex queries).
  • DIY GraphQL Server (Self-hosted):
    • Pros: Full control over everything, potentially cheaper if managed well, totally flexible.
    • Cons: More complex setup and ongoing management, you are responsible for scaling, security, and fixing problems. Takes more effort and knowledge.

Other GraphQL Services

Besides AppSync or building everything yourself, there are other tools that can help with GraphQL:

• Hasura: This service can automatically create a GraphQL API on top of your existing databases (like Postgres) or other services. It handles a lot of the setup for you, making it fast to get started. It focuses on data access and provides features like permissions.
• Prisma: This is more like a smart helper for your database code (often called an ORM). It makes it easier for your server code (maybe running on Node.js) to talk to your database in a safe and efficient way. You’d often use Prisma inside your DIY GraphQL server.
• Apollo Server: This is a popular tool to help you build your own (DIY) GraphQL server. It gives you a framework and features to make building the server easier than starting from scratch. Apollo also offers cloud services (like Apollo GraphOS/Studio) to help manage your GraphQL setup.

The core idea behind AppSync pricing is pay-as-you-go. This means you don’t pay a fixed monthly fee just to have the service available; instead, you pay based on how much you actually use its features.

Here are the main components that contribute to your AWS AppSync bill:

1. Query and Data Modification Operations:
   • This is often the largest part of the cost. Every time your application fetches data (Query) or changes data (like adding, updating, or deleting - these are called Mutations), it counts as one operation.
   • Cost: $4.00 per million operations.
2. Real-Time Updates (Subscriptions):
   • AppSync allows your application to “subscribe” to data changes and receive updates automatically via WebSockets. This is great for things like chat apps or live dashboards.
   • There are two costs associated with real-time features:
     • Updates Sent: You pay for the number of update messages pushed from AppSync to connected clients.
       • Cost: $2.00 per million updates.
     • Connection Minutes: You also pay for the total time (in minutes) that clients remain connected to AppSync to receive these updates.
       • Cost: $0.08 per million connection minutes.
3. Caching (Optional):
   • To speed up responses and potentially reduce calls to your backend data sources (like databases), you can enable server-side caching within AppSync.
   • Cost: This is charged hourly based on the size (instance type) of the cache you choose. There’s no long-term commitment required. Pricing varies by instance size (e.g., cache.small, cache.medium, cache.large). For example, a cache.small instance might cost around $0.044 per hour. You can find specific hourly rates on the AWS AppSync Pricing page.
4. Data Transfer:
   • Like many AWS services, you pay for data transferred out from AWS AppSync to the internet or across AWS regions. Data transfer in is generally free.
   • Cost: This follows standard AWS EC2 data transfer rates, which typically start around $0.09 per GB for the first tier, with costs decreasing as volume increases.

AWS Free Tier:

• For the first 12 months after signing up for an AWS account, you get a monthly free allowance for AppSync:
  • 250,000 Query or Data Modification operations
  • 250,000 Real-Time updates
  • 600,000 Connection minutes
• This free tier is great for getting started, developing, or running small applications without initial cost. Usage beyond these free limits is billed at the standard rates. You can find more details on the AWS Free Tier page.

Examples:

Let’s illustrate with a couple of simple scenarios (excluding the free tier and data transfer for simplicity):

• Scenario 1: Simple Blog API
  • Mostly reads (queries) to fetch blog posts.
  • Assume 5 million Query operations per month.
  • Minimal real-time usage.
  • Estimated Cost: 5 million ops *($4.00 / 1 million ops) = $20.00 per month (plus data transfer costs)
• Scenario 2: Basic Chat Application
  • Assume 2,000 users.
  • Each user sends 500 messages/month (Mutations) = 2,000 * 500 = 1,000,000 Mutation operations.
  • Each user receives 500 messages/month (Real-Time Updates) = 2,000 * 500 = 1,000,000 Real-Time Updates.
  • Each user is connected for 1,000 minutes/month = 2,000 * 1,000 = 2,000,000 Connection Minutes.
  • Estimated Cost:
    • Mutations: 1 million ops * ($4.00 / 1 million ops) = $4.00
    • Real-Time Updates: 1 million updates * ($2.00 / 1 million updates) = $2.00
    • Connection Minutes: 2 million mins * ($0.08 / 1 million mins) = $0.16
    • Total Estimated Cost: $4.00 + $2.00 + $0.16 = $6.16 per month (plus data transfer costs)

Important Note: These examples only cover the AppSync costs. Remember that AppSync often connects to other AWS services (like DynamoDB databases or Lambda functions) to get or modify data. You will also incur costs for those backend services based on their own pricing models.

For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official AWS AppSync Pricing page.