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Streamline Your AWS SDK Upgrade: Automate v1 to v2 with AWS Transform

5 min read AWS DevOps BlogJan 8, 2026
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Upgrading from AWS SDK for Java v1 to v2 is not just a matter of replacing libraries; it's about modernizing your entire codebase to leverage the latest features and improvements. As v1 reaches its end-of-support on December 31, 2025, the urgency to migrate grows. AWS Transform offers a solution by using agentic AI to automate this transition, allowing you to focus on building features instead of wrestling with legacy code.

The AWS Transform CLI provides a straightforward command to execute the transformation. You simply need to run the command: atx custom def exec -n AWS/java-aws-sdk-v1-to-v2 -p <path_to_project> -t -c "mvn package". This command includes parameters that specify the project path, transformation definition, and build command. The -t flag trusts all tools, eliminating prompts that could slow down your migration process. This level of automation is crucial for large-scale projects where manual updates would be impractical.

In production, ensure you have the AWS Transform CLI installed and configured properly. Authentication must be set up to execute transformations. This process can significantly reduce technical debt, but be aware that it’s not a silver bullet. The transformation might not cover every edge case in your code, so thorough testing is essential after the migration. Keep in mind that as you modernize, you may encounter compatibility issues with other libraries or frameworks in your stack.

Key takeaways

  • Use the AWS Transform CLI to automate the upgrade from AWS SDK v1 to v2.
  • Run `atx custom def exec` with the appropriate parameters to initiate the transformation.
  • Ensure your AWS Transform CLI is installed and authentication is configured before starting.
  • Trust all tools with the `-t` flag to streamline the transformation process.
  • Test your application thoroughly after migration to catch any compatibility issues.

Why it matters

Automating the upgrade process saves time and reduces the risk of human error, allowing teams to focus on delivering value rather than managing technical debt. This is especially critical as support for v1 will end soon, making timely migration essential.

Code examples

Bash
git clone https://github.com/aws-samples/aws-java-sample
cd aws-java-sample
Bash
atx custom def exec -n AWS/java-aws-sdk-v1-to-v2 -p <path_to_project> -t -c "mvn package"
Bash
proceed

When NOT to use this

The official docs don't call out specific anti-patterns here. Use your judgment based on your scale and requirements.

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