AWS CodeCommit is a managed Git service that integrates tightly with other AWS services. Here’s how to go from zero to pushing code with AWS CLI and Git.

Step 1: Install AWS CLI

The AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) allows you to interact with AWS services via commands in your terminal.

  1. Visit https://aws.amazon.com/cli/

  2. Download the installer for your operating system.

  3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

  4. Open your terminal and verify the installation:

aws --version

You should see the AWS CLI version displayed.

Step 2: Configure AWS CLI

Next, we’ll set up AWS CLI with your credentials.

  1. In your terminal, run:

aws configure

  1. You’ll be prompted for four pieces of information:

    • AWS Access Key ID: Enter your key.

    • AWS Secret Access Key: Enter your secret.

    • Default region name: e.g., us-east-1, eu-west-2

    • Default output format: Enter json

Don’t have access keys? Create them in the AWS IAM console.

Step 3: Install Git

If you haven’t already, install Git.

  1. Visit https://git-scm.com/

  2. Download and run the installer for your OS.

  3. Verify installation:

git --version

Step 4: Configure Git for AWS CodeCommit

Here’s where the magic happens — configuring Git to use CodeCommit seamlessly.

  1. Set up the AWS CodeCommit credential helper:

git config --global credential.helper '!aws codecommit credential-helper $@'

This tells Git to use the AWS credential helper for all CodeCommit repos.

  1. Then configure Git to use the repository’s full path for authentication:

git config --global credential.UseHttpPath true

This is crucial for CodeCommit authentication to work properly.

Step 5: Set Up Your Git User Information

If you haven’t configured your Git user info yet:

git config --global user.name "Your Full Name"
git config --global user.email you@example.com

Step 6: Create a CodeCommit Repository

Let’s create your first CodeCommit repo:

aws codecommit create-repository \
  --repository-name my-awesome-project \
  --repository-description "My first CodeCommit project"

Replace my-awesome-project and the description as needed.

Take note of the cloneUrlHttp from the output — you’ll need it to clone the repo.

Step 7: Clone Your Repository

Now get the repository onto your local machine:

git clone https://git-codecommit.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/v1/repos/my-awesome-project

Replace the region and repo name as appropriate.

You might see a warning about cloning an empty repository — that’s expected.

Step 8: Start Using Your Repository

cd my-awesome-project
echo "# My Awesome Project" > README.md
git add README.md
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git push origin main

Your changes are now securely stored in AWS CodeCommit!

🛠 Troubleshooting

  • Permission Denied: Make sure your IAM user has CodeCommit permissions.

  • Wrong Region: Double-check that you’re using the right AWS region in your commands.

  • Credential Helper Not Working: Re-run aws configure to verify AWS CLI is set up correctly.

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