Importing Snowflake modules Python as layers in AWS Lambda

AWS Lambda has revolutionized cloud computing, empowering developers to build scalable applications without server management. Snowflake, a powerful cloud-based data warehousing solution, excels in handling large datasets for data engineers and analysts.
When combining the strengths of AWS Lambda and Snowflake, developers can create dynamic data-driven applications that leverage the power of serverless computing with the robustness of Snowflake’s data warehousing capabilities. However, importing Snowflake modules directly into an AWS Lambda function can lead to increased complexity and deployment challenges.

Quick summary: Package Snowflake Python dependencies into a Lambda Layer (ZIP), attach it to your function, and keep Snowflake libraries out of the main deployment bundle—ideal for teams reusing the same Snowflake setup across multiple Lambda functions.

Key takeaway: The Layer approach separates Snowflake dependencies from Lambda code, which simplifies deployments and reduces repeated packaging—at the cost of added configuration and version coordination.

Quick promise: You’ll leave with a clear process to build a snowflake_connector_layer.zip, add it as a Lambda Layer, and use it in your Python Lambda function without bundling Snowflake modules into every function package.

In this article, we will explore the process of importing Snowflake modules in Python as AWS Lambda Layers. We will guide you through the step-by-step procedure of creating and configuring Lambda Layers containing Snowflake dependencies. Moreover, we will demonstrate how to integrate these layers seamlessly into AWS Lambda functions, minimizing redundant code and streamlining the deployment process.

Quick Facts : Snowflake Python Modules as AWS Lambda Layers

Summary:

• Packages Snowflake dependencies into a Layer ZIP instead of the function bundle.
• Helps reduce deployment package size when Snowflake modules are large.
• Reuses the same Layer across multiple Lambda functions.
• Supports independent versioning/updates of Snowflake dependencies.
• Adds configuration and maintenance complexity.

What is importing Snowflake modules as AWS Lambda Layers?

Importing Snowflake modules as AWS Lambda Layers is the practice of putting Snowflake-specific Python dependencies (like the Snowflake connector/client library) into a separate Layer ZIP that your Lambda function can load, instead of shipping those dependencies inside every function deployment package.

What it includes / key components

• A Layer ZIP (example name: snowflake_connector_layer.zip)
• Snowflake connector/client library and related Python dependencies
• An AWS Lambda function that imports and uses the Layer
• Optional integration flow shown in the draft: Lambda executes a Snowflake query and stores results in an S3 bucket

Who it’s for

• Developers integrating AWS Lambda + Snowflake
• Teams running multiple Lambdas that need the same Snowflake dependencies
• Projects where Snowflake modules make the function deployment package too large

Who it’s not for

• Teams that prefer a single “all-in-one” deployment ZIP (code + dependencies)
• Use cases that require frequent switching between multiple Snowflake dependency versions (this approach may be less flexible)

Why people use Snowflake modules as Lambda Layers

Using Snowflake modules as Lambda Layers is mainly about separating Snowflake dependencies from your function code so deployments stay smaller and easier to manage.

• Simplified deployment: Keep Snowflake requirements out of the Lambda function deployment package.
• Reduced deployment size: Avoid packaging large Snowflake modules inside every function ZIP.
• Code reusability: Reuse the same Layer across several Lambda functions.
• Faster cold starts: Load/initialize dependencies via a Layer rather than bundling everything into function code.
• Version control and updates: Version and update the Snowflake Layer independently from function code.
• Isolation and security: Add separation between Snowflake dependencies and your function logic.

Shortcut: If multiple Lambdas need Snowflake, put Snowflake dependencies in a Layer and keep each function package focused on business logic.

How Does Lambda Work?

AWS Lambda is a serverless computing solution that allows you to submit code and set triggers. When an event occurs, Lambda creates an execution environment and executes your code in response. It handles scaling, resource allocation, and event-driven execution, allowing you to concentrate on writing code rather than server management. The outcome is returned, and the execution environment is cleared.

Benefits of Importing Snowflake Modules as Layers in AWS Lambda

Importing Snowflake modules as layers into AWS Lambda has various advantages, including:

• Simplified deployment: By importing Snowflake modules as layers, you may separate Snowflake-specific requirements from your Lambda function code. This streamlines the deployment procedure because the Snowflake modules are not included directly in the deployment package.
• Reduced deployment size: Snowflake modules can be huge, and putting them in every Lambda function deployment package can significantly boost their size. Layers allow you to reduce the size of your deployment packages, giving you faster deployment times and reduced expenses for storage.
• Flexible and reusable code: When Snowflake modules are imported as layers, users can reuse the same layer across several Lambda functions. This encourages modular and reusable programming, making it easier to maintain and upgrade Snowflake-specific functionality without duplicating code in each function.
• Faster cold starts: When a Lambda function is invoked for the first time or after a period of inactivity, it experiences a cold start. By separating the Snowflake-specific dependencies from the function’s code, importing Snowflake modules as layers can help reduce the cold start time. As a result, the function code may be loaded and executed more quickly, boosting overall performance.
• Version control and updates: Snowflake modules can be separately versioned and updated as layers. This allows you to manage and upgrade the Snowflake functionality independently of the Lambda function code. You may simply update the Snowflake layer to include bug fixes, security patches, or new features without modifying the Lambda function code.

Importing Snowflake modules Python as layers in AWS Lambda

There are various steps to setting up Snowflake and AWS Lambda.

1) We have to create a snowflake_connector_layer.zip file

Firstly, we have connected to the EC2 instance, you can go through the following steps:

• Click on EC2
• Click on launch instances
• After that close the popup window
• Click on instances
• Select the Ubuntu Server 20.04

• After that click the next
• Next: configure instance details
• Next: Add storage
• Next: Add tags
• Next: Configure Security Group
• Review and launch
• After that launch Select any one key pair you want then give the key pair name “Snowflake_Testing_Layer”.
• Click on download key pair
• Click on Launch Instances.

• Your instances are now launching then click on the file “i-0c2889afff5487d4b”.

• After that click on the file.

• But the Instance ID status is pending.

Then how to change the Instance ID status is pending to running then follow the below steps

• Click on the Start button type PuTTYgen and open this software “Putty key generator”

• Click on the load button

• Then load private key window is open in this window click on the download file and open the downloaded file i.e., “Snowflake_Testing_Layer”
• The ‘PuTTYgen Notice’ window is open click on ok
• Click on the save private key tab.
• The warning window is open click on the yes button.
• The ‘Save private key as’ window is open go to the desktop folder then the asset folder and create a file name as “lamdalayers”.
• Close the PuTTY Key generator window.

• The Instance ID status is changed to running
• Open the Instance ID file copy the path

• Then go to PuTTy software and paste the copied path into Hostname.

• Click on Hostname i.e., SSH >> Auth

• Click the Browse tab open the created “lamdalayers” file and then click on the open button.

2)  Once you are connected to the EC2 instance, you can go through the following steps

• Login as Ubuntu

• The list of available packages and their versions is updated.

• Creating the virtual environment for isolation purposes from the other environment

• Also, create another virtual environment i.e., snowflake_test

• Then activate that virtual environment

• Check the Python 3 Version

• Then install Python 3 pip package

• Upgrade the pip package

• Install

sudo apt-get install -y libssl-dev libffi-dev

• Install site-packages or site directories

mkdir -p lambda_layers/python/lib/python3.8/site-packages

• change the current directory run this command

cd lambda_layers/python/lib/python3.8/site-packages

• Install the requirements from a file named requirements_38.reqs, which is specified by the connector’s version v2.3.10 we are downloading all the dependencies on GitHub

pip install -r https://raw.githubusercontent.com/snowflakedb/snowflake-connector-python/v2.3.10/tested_requirements/requirements_38.reqs

• install snowflake connector

pip install snowflake-connector-python==2.3.10

• change the current directory

cd ~/lambda_layers

• install zip file

sudo apt install zip

• The zipped packages must be downloaded

zip -r snowflake_lambda_layer.zip *

3) Open WinSCP

• Go to the start button and type in the search box WinSCP

• Open it
• In the login window paste the hostname (Go to EC2 instance id and copy the DNS path)

• For the password go to advanced

• Click on authentication >> Click on the three-dot in the private key file >> desktop >> Asset >> lamdalayers >> open >> ok >> login
• In the warning tab click on yes button after that

• On the right side of Ubuntu, click on lamda_layers here you see the snowflake_lambda_layer.zip file is created.
• On the left side desktop, click on asset.  drag and drop the snowflake_lambda_layer.zip file in the asset folder.        

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4) If your zip file is greater than 10 Mb then follow these steps

• Go to AWS services, Click on S3.

• Click on create bucket.

• Give the bucket name.

• After that scroll down and click on Create bucket.
• Click on the search tab and type your bucket name then search.

• Click on the layertestinghelloworld bucket name
• Click on Upload namaste button

• Here we can add your zip file

• After that scroll down and click on the upload button

• Your zip file is uploaded successfully.

5) Creating the Layer

• In the AWS Management Console, click on AWS Lambda
• Click on layers
• Click on a Create layer

• Give the name and upload a zip file if your zip file is less than 10 Mb then click on upload a .zip file otherwise click on upload a file from Amazon S3. If you click on upload a file from Amazon S3 then paste here created bucket link.

• Then scroll down and create.
• So, created layer layer_testing is successful.

6) Combine everything to create your own AWS Lambda function that includes Snowflake functionality.

• Go to AWS Lambda >> Click Layers >> Add a layer >> Choose a layer i.e., specify an ARN >> Paste the ARN version you copied >> Verify >> Add

• Click on test >> test

• After successfully

• Go to snowflake >> worksheets >> Write your query and run

• After running successfully, you can check your data.

Why do we use the Snowflake ZIP file in AWS Lambda?

The use of a Snowflake ZIP file in AWS Lambda often refers to creating an installation package that includes the Snowflake connector or client library as well as the Lambda function code. After that, the ZIP file is submitted to AWS Lambda for deployment.

Here are some of the reasons you might want to use a Snowflake ZIP file in AWS Lambda:

Snowflake Integration: If your Lambda function has to interface with a Snowflake data warehouse, you’ll require the Snowflake connector or client library to connect, conduct queries, and retrieve data. Including the Snowflake ZIP file in your Lambda deployment package ensures that the necessary Snowflake functionality is available to your Lambda function.

Offline Development: By including the Snowflake ZIP file in your Lambda deployment package, you can build and test your Lambda function without needing to connect to Snowflake. This is very useful if working offline or testing your Lambda function in a situation where direct access to Snowflake is not possible.

Unique Snowflake Configurations: The Snowflake ZIP file may contain unique Snowflake installation configurations. Connection parameters, authentication information, and other Snowflake-specific settings are all included. You can verify that your Lambda function connects to the correct Snowflake instance and utilizes the desired parameters by adding the information in the ZIP file.

Reduced Dependency Management: By including the Snowflake ZIP file in your Lambda deployment package, you simplify dependency management. You do not need to manage and install the Snowflake connector or client library individually in your Lambda environment. The ZIP file isolates the Snowflake functionality, making it easy to install and manage.

Disadvantages

While integrating Snowflake modules as layers in AWS Lambda functions has various benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Increased Complexity: Importing Snowflake modules as layers adds another layer of complexity to your Lambda function configuration. It necessitates managing and maintaining the Snowflake layer separately from your function code, which adds complexity and possible failure spots.
• Versions Challenges: While independent updates and versions of Snowflake modules can be beneficial, they may also create difficulties. Version compatibility between the Snowflake layer and the Lambda function code might be more difficult to manage and coordinate, especially when distinct functions depend on various versions of the Snowflake layer.
• Lack of Flexibility: Importing Snowflake modules as layers may restrict your ability to use multiple versions or custom configurations of Snowflake modules. If you need to utilize a specific version or set Snowflake components in a specific way, this layer’s technique may be more difficult to implement.
• Increased Resource Usage: By importing Snowflake modules as layers, you are effectively loading and initializing the Snowflake functionality for each Lambda function invocation, even if the function does not use all of the Snowflake modules features. This may result in somewhat higher resource utilization and may affect the overall performance of your Lambda functions.
• Dependency on External Layer: When you import Snowflake modules as a layer, your Lambda functions become to depend on the Snowflake layer’s stability and compatibility. If there are any problems with the layer or if it becomes unavailable, your Lambda functions may not function properly.

Features

• Simplified Deployment: Separate Snowflake dependencies from your function code for easier installation.
• Reduced Package Size: Importing Snowflake modules as layers minimizes the size of the deployment package, allowing for faster deployments and lower storage costs.
• Code Reusability: Snowflake functionality can be shared across multiple Lambda functions without duplicating code, promoting code reusability and simplifying maintenance.
• Faster Cold Starts: AWS Lambda can load and initialize the layer separately, resulting in speedier cold starts.
• Simplified Dependency Management: Snowflake dependencies are managed individually as a layer, simplifying maintenance and installation.
• Independent Versioning and upgrades: Snowflake modules can be versioned and updated independently, allowing for easier upgrades and bug fixes without changing the Lambda function.
• Enhanced Isolation and Security: Snowflake modules as layers give an additional layer of isolation and security, ensuring that Snowflake-specific functionality is separated and managed.

What to expect (results, timeline, or outcome)

You should expect a reusable Layer ZIP that your Lambda function can import from, plus a cleaner function deployment workflow—balanced by extra setup and ongoing Layer maintenance.

A simple outcome path (no time claims)

• Step 1: Create a Layer ZIP with Snowflake dependencies (example: snowflake_connector_layer.zip).
• Step 2: Upload the ZIP as an AWS Lambda Layer.
• Step 3: Attach the Layer to your Lambda function.
• Step 4: Import and use Snowflake modules in your function code.

Factors that change outcomes

• Dependency size: Larger Snowflake modules increase packaging and resource considerations.
• Version compatibility: Coordinating versions between the Layer and function code can be challenging.
• Cost implications: Storage and data transfer may add costs depending on usage.

Common problems and fixes

Common issues

• Import error at runtime → Layer missing dependencies or packaged incorrectly → Rebuild the ZIP and ensure the required Snowflake packages are included.
• Deployment feels more complex → Layer adds another moving part → Document the Layer build + attach steps and keep updates consistent.
• Version mismatch bugs → Layer version and function expectations differ → Coordinate versions and update the Layer independently but carefully.
• Hard to use multiple Snowflake setups → Layers may restrict flexibility → Bundle needed Snowflake modules into a single Layer or manage separate Layer versions (depends on your needs).
• Higher resource usage → Snowflake functionality loads/initializes each invocation → Keep function logic lean and only import what you need.
• Unexpected costs → Storage/data transfer costs add up → Review usage patterns and consider cost implications in your design.
• Slow or unreliable DB connectivity → Missing connection best practices → Use network sharing where helpful and implement proper error handling + retry logic.

Mistakes to avoid

• Bundling Snowflake dependencies into every Lambda function deployment package.
• Ignoring Layer/function version coordination.
• Updating the Layer without considering dependent Lambda functions.
• Assuming the Layer approach is always more flexible for multiple versions.
• Skipping robust error handling and retry logic for database connections.

FAQ

Can I use Snowflake modules as layers in AWS Lambda to interact with other AWS services?

Yes. The draft describes using Snowflake modules in Lambda to communicate with other AWS services, including S3 and Glue. This is useful when your Snowflake-enabled Lambda is part of a broader AWS workflow.

Is it possible to use multiple Snowflake layers inside the same AWS Lambda function?

The draft’s approach assumes one Snowflake layer per function, and notes you can include many Snowflake modules within a single Snowflake layer. If you need multiple Snowflake setups, this depends on how you manage Layer versions and compatibility.

How do I import Python modules into AWS Lambda?

You import modules by including them in your deployment package and then using standard Python import statements in your Lambda function code. In the Layer approach, the modules live in the Layer ZIP rather than the function ZIP.

How do you add a layer to a Lambda function in Python?

You add a layer by uploading or selecting a Layer package in the Layers section of the AWS Lambda console, attaching it to your function, and saving changes. After that, your function can access libraries stored in the Layer.

Why use a Snowflake ZIP file in AWS Lambda?

A Snowflake ZIP file packages the Snowflake connector/client library and related requirements so your Lambda can connect to Snowflake and run queries. The draft also highlights offline development/testing and simpler dependency management as reasons.

Are there any extra costs associated with importing Snowflake modules as layers in AWS Lambda?

Yes. The draft mentions additional costs related to storage and data transfer. The exact amount depends on how often the function runs and how much data is moved.

What’s the best practice for AWS Lambda database connections in Python?

Use network sharing for greater efficiency and implement correct error handling and retry logic for durability. The “best” implementation details depend on your runtime and workload.

Is it worth using a Lambda Layer for Snowflake dependencies?

Yes—when you want smaller function packages and reusable dependencies across multiple Lambda functions. If you prefer simplicity and don’t need reuse or independent updates, bundling everything into one deployment ZIP may be sufficient.

How much effort does this take?

It depends on your packaging workflow, how you build the ZIP, and how often you update versions. The Layer approach reduces repetitive packaging but adds Layer management and compatibility coordination.

What if I need to change Snowflake connection parameters or settings?

The draft notes that the ZIP may include unique Snowflake configurations like connection parameters, authentication information, and Snowflake-specific settings. What you include depends on your environment and how you manage configuration.

One-minute summary

• Build a ZIP with Snowflake Python dependencies (example: snowflake_connector_layer.zip).
• Upload the ZIP as an AWS Lambda Layer and attach it to your function.
• Import Snowflake modules in your Lambda code with standard Python imports.
• Expect smaller per-function deployments and better reuse across Lambdas.
• Plan for added complexity, version coordination, and possible storage/data transfer costs.

Key terms

• AWS Lambda: A serverless compute service that runs code in response to events and manages scaling and resources.
• Lambda Layer: A separate package of code/libraries your Lambda function can load at runtime.
• Snowflake connector/client library: Snowflake-specific Python dependencies used to connect to Snowflake and run queries.
• Layer ZIP: The zipped package (e.g., snowflake_connector_layer.zip) uploaded as a Lambda Layer.
• Cold start: The startup delay when a Lambda runs for the first time or after inactivity.
• Deployment package: The bundle you upload for Lambda execution (either function code alone or code + dependencies).
• Version compatibility: Keeping the Layer’s dependency versions aligned with your Lambda function code expectations.
• Error handling and retry logic: Connection durability practices referenced in the draft for database connections.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided the procedure for importing Snowflake modules Python as layers in AWS Lambda. Also, we have discussed on Developers can separate Snowflake dependencies, such as the Snowflake Connector, from the core Lambda function by using layers, which simplifies code management and reduces deployment package size. This method boosts performance by allowing the function to concentrate on business logic. However, certain drawbacks such as greater implementation complexity and associated storage costs must be considered.

Overall, using Snowflake modules as layers in AWS Lambda provides a great approach for developing scalable and efficient serverless apps that connect smoothly with Snowflake’s data warehouse features.