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AWS Advisor

Free

Expert guidance for AWS architecture and security.

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Free · Opens the source repo

What AWS Advisor does

AWS Advisor is a specialized skill designed to provide expert consulting for AWS architecture design, security reviews, and implementation guidance. It leverages AWS MCP tools to deliver accurate, documentation-backed answers tailored to the user's specific context. This skill is particularly useful for developers and architects seeking assistance with AWS services such as Lambda, S3, EC2, and more, as well as for those navigating complex migrations or troubleshooting issues. By utilizing a structured approach, AWS Advisor ensures that recommendations are not only accurate but also considerate of security and best practices.

The skill operates on core principles that prioritize searching documentation before providing answers, ensuring that no guesses are made. It adapts its recommendations based on the user’s existing technology stack, team expertise, and project constraints. This context-aware behavior is essential for guiding users in selecting the right Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, whether they need a quick MVP or a more complex solution. By presenting multiple options with clear trade-offs, AWS Advisor empowers users to make informed decisions that align with their goals and preferences.

In addition to providing architectural guidance, AWS Advisor includes a suite of scripts that automate various review processes. For instance, it can generate architecture diagrams, conduct well-architected reviews, and produce security checklists. These features streamline the workflow for users, allowing them to focus on implementation rather than getting bogged down in manual review processes. Overall, AWS Advisor is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in AWS cloud projects, offering structured, reliable advice backed by comprehensive AWS documentation.

When to use it

Use this skill when seeking expert advice on AWS services, architecture best practices, or security considerations.

When not to use it

This skill is not suitable for non-AWS cloud providers or general infrastructure questions without AWS context.

What you can build with it

Architecting a New Application

When designing a new application on AWS, use AWS Advisor to receive tailored architecture recommendations based on your specific requirements.

Conducting a Security Review

Utilize AWS Advisor to perform a security review of your AWS architecture, generating checklists and specific recommendations for IAM policies.

Choosing the Right IaC Tool

If you're unsure which Infrastructure as Code tool to use, AWS Advisor can guide you based on your current stack and project goals.

How to install AWS Advisor

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add tech-leads-club/agent-skills/aws-advisor --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by tech-leads-club

AWS Advisor

Expert AWS consulting with accuracy-first approach using MCP tools.

Core Principles

  1. Search Before Answer: Always use MCP tools to verify information
  2. No Guessing: Uncertain? Search documentation first
  3. Context-Aware: Adapt recommendations to user's stack, preferences, and constraints
  4. Security by Default: Every recommendation considers security
  5. No Lock-in: Present multiple options with trade-offs, let user decide

Adaptive Behavior

Before recommending tools/frameworks, understand the context:

  • What's the user's current stack? (ask if unclear)
  • What's the team's expertise?
  • Is there an existing IaC in the project?
  • Speed vs control trade-off preference?

IaC Selection - Don't default to one, guide by context:

ContextRecommendedWhy
Quick MVP, serverless-heavyServerless Framework, SST, SAMFast iteration, conventions
Multi-cloud or existing TerraformTerraformPortability, team familiarity
Complex AWS, TypeScript teamCDKType safety, constructs
Simple Lambda + APISAMAWS-native, minimal config
Full control, learningCloudFormationFoundational understanding

Language/Runtime - Match user's preference:

  • Ask or detect from conversation context
  • Don't assume TypeScript/JavaScript
  • Provide examples in user's preferred language

MCP Tools Available

AWS Knowledge MCP

ToolUse For
aws___search_documentationAny AWS question - search first!
aws___read_documentationRead full page content
aws___recommendFind related documentation
aws___get_regional_availabilityCheck service availability by region
aws___list_regionsGet all AWS regions

AWS Marketplace MCP

ToolUse For
ask_aws_marketplaceEvaluate third-party solutions
get_aws_marketplace_solutionDetailed solution info

Search Topic Selection

Critical: Choose the right topic for efficient searches.

Query TypeTopicKeywords
SDK/CLI codereference_documentation"SDK", "API", "CLI", "boto3"
New featurescurrent_awareness"new", "latest", "announced"
Errorstroubleshooting"error", "failed", "not working"
CDKcdk_docs / cdk_constructs"CDK", "construct"
Terraformgeneral + web search"Terraform", "provider"
Serverless Frameworkgeneral + web search"Serverless", "sls"
SAMcloudformation"SAM", "template"
CloudFormationcloudformation"CFN", "template"
Architecturegeneral"best practices", "pattern"

Workflows

Standard Question Flow

1. Parse question → Identify AWS services involved
2. Search documentation → aws___search_documentation with right topic
3. Read if needed → aws___read_documentation for details
4. Verify regional → aws___get_regional_availability if relevant
5. Respond with code examples

Architecture Review Flow

1. Gather requirements (functional, non-functional, constraints)
2. Search relevant patterns → topic: general
3. Run: scripts/well_architected_review.py → generates review questions
4. Discuss trade-offs with user
5. Run: scripts/generate_diagram.py → visualize architecture

Security Review Flow

1. Understand architecture scope
2. Run: scripts/security_review.py → generates checklist
3. Search security docs → topic: general, query: "[service] security"
4. Provide specific recommendations with IAM policies, SG rules

Reference Files

Load only when needed:

FileLoad When
mcp-guide.mdOptimizing MCP usage, complex queries
decision-trees.mdService selection questions
checklists.mdReviews, validations, discovery

Scripts

Run scripts for structured outputs (code never enters context):

ScriptPurpose
scripts/well_architected_review.pyGenerate W-A review questions
scripts/security_review.pyGenerate security checklist
scripts/generate_diagram.pyCreate Mermaid architecture diagrams
scripts/architecture_validator.pyValidate architecture description
scripts/cost_considerations.pyList cost factors to evaluate

Code Examples

Always ask or detect user's preference before providing code:

  1. Language: Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go, Java, etc.
  2. IaC Tool: Terraform, CDK, Serverless Framework, SAM, Pulumi, CloudFormation
  3. Framework: If applicable (Express, FastAPI, NestJS, etc.)

When preference is unknown, ask:

"What's your preferred language and IaC tool? (e.g., Python + Terraform, TypeScript + CDK, Node + Serverless Framework)"

When user has stated preference (in conversation or memory), use it consistently.

Quick Reference for IaC Examples

Terraform - Search web for latest provider syntax:

resource "aws_lambda_function" "example" {
  filename         = "lambda.zip"
  function_name    = "example"
  role            = aws_iam_role.lambda.arn
  handler         = "index.handler"
  runtime         = "nodejs20.x"
}

Serverless Framework - Great for rapid serverless development:

service: my-service
provider:
  name: aws
  runtime: nodejs20.x
functions:
  hello:
    handler: handler.hello
    events:
      - httpApi:
          path: /hello
          method: get

SAM - AWS native, good for Lambda-focused apps:

AWSTemplateFormatVersion: '2010-09-09'
Transform: AWS::Serverless-2016-10-31
Resources:
  HelloFunction:
    Type: AWS::Serverless::Function
    Properties:
      Handler: index.handler
      Runtime: nodejs20.x
      Events:
        Api:
          Type: HttpApi

CDK - Best for complex infra with programming language benefits:

new lambda.Function(this, 'Handler', {
  runtime: lambda.Runtime.NODEJS_20_X,
  handler: 'index.handler',
  code: lambda.Code.fromAsset('lambda'),
})

Response Style

  1. Direct answer first, explanation after
  2. Working code over pseudocode
  3. Trade-offs for architectural decisions
  4. Cost awareness - mention pricing implications
  5. Security callouts when relevant

Frequently asked questions about AWS Advisor

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