Durable functions flooded up and Java SDK out 🚀☁️ #97
Aurora DSQL is on the roll....
In the previous issue, Event payload consistency across Serverless 🚀☁️ #96, we looked into how EventBridge and other Services get consistent with 1MB payload limits.
In this issue, it’s repeating Durable functions (yes, we are in the era of hearing it over and over) while durable functions make it easy for orchestration and bringing in longer-running workflows into Lambda. It was limited to TypeScript/JavaScript and Python runtimes, but now AWS just announced the Java Durable Execution SDK (still in preview), which enables developers to build durable functions in Java.
⭐ Pick of the month
This month’s Pick is “DynamoDB data retrieval“.
Dixit R Jain’s blog on persistence made easy with AWS DynamoDB deep dive for Serverless applications, diving into the CRUD operations with AWS SDK v3 along with some gotcha moments.
Jones Zachariah Noel N (author) takes on DynamoDB with PartiQL, which explains how you can still leverage a “SQL-like” querying for your DynamoDB, and the part-2 of the series also looks into batch executions.
🚀 AWSome content to learn from
Monica Colangelo debunks integrating Lambda durable functions into Step Functions workflow, which is not a simple step but having patterns - callback and checkpoint brings in challenges.
Darryl Ruggles builds out AWS Lambda Durable Functions - Build a Loan Approval Workflow with Checkpoints, Callbacks, and a React Frontend with a complete solution code-walkthrough.
Matheus das Mercês shares AWS Lambda Durable Functions on Hexagonal Architecture as a pattern where you bring the “Lambdalith” approach for durable functions.
Daniele Frasca explains how you can build long-running usage reports on AWS with Lambda Durable Functions over Step Functions and how the whole workflow comes together!
Lefteris Karageorgiou digs into Kinesis v/s SQS v/s EventBridge for choosing the right data stream with areas where they shine and also a framework for making the decision.
Carlos Biagolini-Jr explains how to deploy AWS API Gateway with OpenAPI specification using Terraform take breaks down the components bringing the best of OpenAPI specs with IaC using Terraform.
Zameer Fouzan dives into Setting Up AWS Distro for OpenTelemetry with Container-Based Lambda Functions and New Relic where the Lambda Layers for container-based Lambda require you to build the ADOT layer as part of the image.
Shubham Vats breaksdown EC2 v/s Fargate with container goverance POV and how choosing running containers either with EC2 or ECS on Fargate (serverless way).
Pubudu Jayawardana’s blog understanding Lambda Tenant Isolation explains the important security update and how tenant isolation, especially for SaaS workloads, fits in well.
⚒️ What's happening with Serverless tools, samples, and projects
Vivek Raja P S’ OpenClaw on AWS using AgentCore runtime.
Jimmy Dahlqvist published an AI bartender agent on Serverless handbook.
Eamonn Faherty published local-web-services (Just in time when LocalStack drops the community edition).
Pavithra A publishes AWS Serverless skill for Claude Code.
Gunnar Grosch published AWS Serverless plugin for Claude (blog) and AWS Serverless Kiro Power (blog).
Naveen G has built a Serverless Cloud Dictionary project.
Matthieu Napoli released Bref 3
Antstack team published AntStack skills.
AWS Durable execution SDK for Java is now available.
🎙️ Podcasts, videos and live-streams
Mike Chambers dives into building autonomous DynamoDB Agents.
Darryl Ruggles explains Lambda Durable Functions v/s Step Functions when each wins at AWS UG London meet-up.
Fernando Pena and Rishab Kumar share more in What’s new in DevOps, Security, and Serverless.
Rehan van der Merwe explains scaling ECS Fargate like Lambda.
Resham Rai explains S3 event notification to Lambda.
🗓️ Mark your calendars
Get Hands-On with Serverless workshop happening on multiple days in January and February.
AWS UG Miami’s meet-up on Building video approval pipelines with serverless and AI on March 5th, 2026.
AWS Community Days are happening -
ACD Chennai on March 7th, 2026.
ACD Slovakia on March 11th, 2026.
ACD Pune on March 21st, 2026.
AWSome Women Summit LATAM 2026 on March 28th, 2026.
ACD Virtual Oceania on April 11th, 2026.
ACD Romania on April 23rd-24th, 2026.
ACD Athens on April 28th, 2026.
ACD Türkiye on May 9th, 2026.
ACD Midwest on June 24th, 2026. CFP is currently open until April 15th, 2026.
ACD Bengaluru in June 2026. CFP is currently open until April 1st, 2026.
AWS Community Summit Birmingham on June 4th, 2026. CFP is currently open until March 16th, 2026.
📢 What's new in Serverless
Amazon Aurora DSQL adds support for identity columns and sequence objects.
Aurora DSQL launches new Go, Python, and Node.js connectors that simplify IAM authentication.
AWS AppConfig integrates with New Relic for automated rollbacks.
Amazon Bedrock now supports server-side tool execution with AgentCore Gateway.
AWS launches a playground for interactive Aurora DSQL database exploration.
AWS Lambda Durable Execution SDK for Java now available in Developer Preview.
Amazon Cognito enhances client secret management with secret rotation and custom secrets.
👨💻 Word from the author
Thanks for the support and let’s share more about Serverless!!!
We know that some of the AWS teams were impacted with the downsizing, we have worked with some of them; if your company is hiring, please reach out to the impacted folks.
I’m open to feedback, so feel free to DM me on LinkedIn for any queries about AWS or Serverless.
If you are looking for any guidance or assistance with learning Serverless, my LinkedIn DMs are open for a chat!
Stay tuned and share with Serverless enthusiasts. Follow The Serverless Terminal on X (formerly Twitter) and Blog.
Until next time, happy building on Serverless!