Skip to main content
Lambda Destinations is a powerful feature within AWS Lambda that allows you to define custom actions immediately after an asynchronous invocation. Depending on whether a Lambda function completes successfully or fails, you can specify distinct workflows to handle each outcome. This flexibility not only enhances operational efficiency but also integrates seamlessly into broader event-driven architectures.
The image is a flowchart illustrating AWS Lambda with various triggers leading to a Lambda function, which then branches into "OnSuccess" and "OnFailure" outcomes.

​
How Lambda Destinations Works

After a Lambda function finishes executing, Lambda Destinations triggers different processes based on the result:
  • OnSuccess: If the function executes successfully, you can forward a message to services like SQS, EventBridge, SNS, or even initiate another Lambda function.
  • OnFailure: If the function encounters an error, you can channel the error details to designated destinations, helping you to quickly identify and resolve issues, similar to using a dead letter queue but with added flexibility.
Lambda Destinations is applicable only for functions invoked asynchronously. Ensure your Lambda function’s invocation type aligns with this capability.

​
Key Benefits of Lambda Destinations

  • Versatile Destination Options: Configure separate destinations based on successful execution or error conditions.
  • Wide Integration: Supported destination services include SQS, SNS, EventBridge, and the ability to trigger additional Lambda functions.
  • Enhanced Context: The destination event includes enriched information about the original invocation and its outcome, simplifying troubleshooting and complex workflow management.
The image lists four key points with icons: Asynchronous Invocations, Success and Failure Handling, Supported Destination Services, and Event Enrichment.

​
Use Cases

Lambda Destinations enhances the reliability and scalability of your cloud applications by:
  • Automating follow-up tasks: Customize workflows such as logging, alerting, or data processing after a function’s execution.
  • Building resilient systems: Quickly respond to failures with automated retries or notifications.
  • Integrating with broader services: Seamlessly connect your Lambda functions with other AWS services to create robust, event-driven architectures.
With Lambda Destinations, you gain complete control over post-invocation processes, optimizing the performance and reliability of your asynchronous workflows in AWS Lambda.

Watch Video