How to Deploy FastAPI on AWS EC2: Nginx, Docker & GitHub Actions CI/CD

Step 1 — Docker: Multi-stage Dockerfile with slim Python. CMD: uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000. Step 2 — EC2: Launch Ubuntu 22.04, open ports 80/443/22, install Docker. Step 3 — Nginx: Reverse proxy from :80/:443 to container :8000. Use Certbot for free SSL. Step 4 — GitHub Actions: On push to main: authenticate AWS with OIDC, build and tag Docker image, push to ECR, SSH into EC2, pull new image, restart container. Step 5 — Secrets: AWS SSM Parameter Store or .env on server. Never bake secrets into Docker images. Result: Zero-downtime automated deployments on every git push.

Strategic Implementation

Establishing a robust workflow is paramount in 2026. As the gap between development and operations continues to shrink, the tools we choose must facilitate speed WITHOUT sacrificing security or stability.

We'll continue exploring these advanced patterns in our upcoming technical deep-dives. Stay tuned for more insights into scaling infrastructure and optimizing software delivery pipelines.