AWS: Delete lambda layer still retains layer version history

Question

I am deploying a AWS Lambda layer using aws cli:

aws lambda publish-layer-version --layer-name my_layer --zip-file fileb://my_layer.zip

I delete it using

VERSION=$(aws lambda list-layer-versions --layer-name my_layer | jq '.LayerVersions[0].Version'
aws lambda delete-layer-version --layer-name my_layer --version-number $VERSION

Deletes successfully, ensured no other version of the layer exists.

aws lambda list-layer-versions --layer-name my_layer
>
{
    "LayerVersions": []
}

Upon next publishing of the layer, it still retains history of previous version. From what I read if no layer version exists and no reference exists, the version history should be gone, but I don't see that. Anybody have a solution to HARD delete the layer with its version?

Answer 1

I have the same problem. What I'm trying to achieve is to "reset" the version count to 1 in order to match code versioning and tags on my repo. Currently, the only way I found is to publish a new layer with a new name.

I think AWS Lambda product lacks of features that help (semantic) versioning.

Answer 2

Currently there's no way to do this. Layer Versions are immutable, they cannot be updated or modified, you can only delete and publish new layer versions. Once a layer version is 'stamped' -- there is no way (AFAIK) that you can go back and get back that layer version.

It might be that after a while (weeks...months?) AWS delete it's memory of the layer version, but as it stands, the version number assigned to any deleted layer cannot be assumed by any new layer.

Answer 3

I ran into similar problem with layer versions. Do you have suggestions for simple way out instead of writing code to check available versions out there and pick latest one...