Instance Overview

An instance is a virtual computing server on the cloud, which includes basic components such as CPU, memory, operating system, network, and disk. You can create and manage instances in the console, manage instances like local servers, and flexibly adjust resources, expand storage, and other capabilities.

Introduction to instance specifications

Depending on the ratio of CPU to memory, different specification types are divided. Instance types of different specifications provide different computing and storage capabilities. You can choose the appropriate specification type according to business needs.

Introduction to instance images

An image is an elastic cloud server template that includes software and necessary configurations. It includes at least an operating system, and can also include application software (for example, database software) and private software. Through images, you can create elastic cloud servers.

In short, an image provides an operating system and pre-installed software for an instance. You must select an image when creating an instance.

Introduction to instance storage

Instance storage is divided into system disks and data disks:

System disk: used to store the operating system and core configuration, similar to the C drive in Windows.

Data disk: used to save your data, similar to the D drive in Windows, supports expansion, mounting, and unmounting.

Instance life cycle

From the creation of an instance to the release of an instance, the instance is in different states, which constitute the instance life cycle.

View the current state of the instance in the cloud server instance list. The instance state is divided into stable state and intermediate state according to the attribute. The intermediate state is the state that the instance is temporarily in before reaching the stable state. If the instance is in the intermediate state for a long time, it means that an abnormality has occurred.

The states in the instance life cycle are shown in the following table:

Instance state State attribute State description

Creating Intermediate state Newly create an instance, or reinstall the instance, and the instance is about to enter the running state.

Running Stable state The instance is in the running state.

Restarting Intermediate state Restart the instance, and the instance is about to enter the running state.

Shutting down Intermediate state Shut down the instance, and the instance is about to enter the shut down state.

Shutdown Stable state The instance is in the shut down state.

Starting up Intermediate state Start the instance, and the instance is about to enter the running state.

Pending Recycling Intermediate state The instance has expired and entered the Pending Recycling state. It is recommended that you renew the instance in time. If you do not renew the instance within the deadline, it will be automatically released.