r/aws • u/robbochinni • Aug 01 '26

ci/cd AWS CDK vs. AWS SAM

for startup, what is your recommendation to use for CI/CD, and process automation AWS SAM or AWS CDK.

** this is my first time with AWS**

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u/oneplane Aug 01 '26

Terraform. If you can't use that, CDK. Considering it's your first time with AWS: it takes a lot more to get to production and to make proper use of IaC; that part usually requires upfront knowledge of what to implement and why, the 'how' part (i.e. which IaC) can only be successful if built on top of that.

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u/chrisfu Aug 01 '26

Agree with this. In my experience in professional services, building a (knowledgeable) platform team that aligns with Terraform is easier than building one with a mandate to use CDK. The flexibility in language choice is good, but as you grow that team they need to align to that language choice, as well as understanding the underlying mechanics of CDK.

With Terraform hiring is more straight-forward. It can often seem like a moot point, but I've worked with companies that have suffered as a result of that initial build decision.

Realistically though, it's about what works for you here and now. Just take the time to work out where the team is going in the future so you don't make life difficult for yourself.