Introduction
At re:Invent 2025, AWS vice president of databases Colin Lazier highlighted a key principle: build at the speed of an idea. The goal is to move from concept to a running application as fast as possible. Customers already can create production-ready DynamoDB tables and Aurora DSQL databases in seconds. Now, that same speed comes to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL with a new express configuration. This streamlined setup uses preconfigured defaults so you can have a serverless database ready in seconds—with just two clicks. This guide walks you through the process, from prerequisites to connecting your first application.
What You Need
- An AWS account (eligible for the Free Tier)
- A web browser with access to the AWS Management Console
- Optional: Developer tools that support the PostgreSQL wire protocol (e.g., psql, pgAdmin, DBeaver)
- Optional: v0 by Vercel or similar tool for natural-language application building
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Navigate to the Aurora Console
Go to the AWS Management Console and open the Amazon RDS service. From the left navigation pane, select Databases and then click Create database.
Step 2: Choose the Express Configuration
In the database creation wizard, look for the new Express configuration option. It is specifically designed for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL serverless. Select it—this preconfigures defaults like IAM authentication, internet access gateway, and a serverless capacity range. You only need to provide a database name (or accept the default) and set an administrator password (or use the auto‑generated IAM credential).
Step 3: Adjust Capacity Range (Optional)
During creation, you can modify the serverless capacity range (minimum and maximum Aurora Capacity Units). For example, set a lower minimum to save cost during idle periods or a higher maximum to handle traffic spikes. This setting can also be changed later after the database is live.
Step 4: Review and Create
Review the configuration summary. Note that the new express configuration creates the cluster without an Amazon VPC and attaches an internet‑accessible gateway distributed across multiple Availability Zones. By default, IAM authentication is enabled, allowing passwordless connections from the start. Click Create database.
Step 5: Wait for Database Creation
In seconds, your Aurora PostgreSQL serverless database appears with a status of Available. The internet gateway is already active, so you can connect immediately without setting up a VPN or AWS Direct Connect.
Step 6: Connect from Anywhere
Use the endpoint shown in the console. Because the new routing layer allows secure connections through the internet, you can connect using any PostgreSQL‑compatible tool from anywhere in the world. For example:
psql -h your-endpoint.rds.amazonaws.com -U your-username -d your-databaseSince IAM authentication is active, you can also connect without a password by using AWS CLI credentials or an IAM role.
Step 7: Start Building Your Application
You can now run queries directly from AWS CloudShell or use your preferred programming language. For an even faster start, try v0 by Vercel—describe your application in natural language, and it generates code that connects to your Aurora database. You can also add read replicas later for high availability, or modify parameter groups via the console.
Tips for Success
- Leverage the Free Tier: Aurora is now available on AWS Free Tier. Create a serverless instance at no upfront cost to test the express configuration and explore its features.
- Modify After Creation: You can change the capacity range, add read replicas, or adjust IAM settings even after the database is live—no need to recreate the cluster.
- Security: The internet gateway is automatically distributed across multiple AZs for high availability. For additional security, consider using IAM roles for application access instead of hard‑coded passwords.
- Development Workflow: Use AWS CloudShell for quick ad‑hoc queries or integrate with CI/CD pipelines using the PostgreSQL wire protocol.
- Natural Language Prototyping: If using v0 by Vercel, describe your backend logic in plain English—it will generate the necessary Aurora PostgreSQL calls, reducing boilerplate code.