Final answer:
The maximum execution time for an AWS Lambda function is 15 minutes or 900 seconds. This limit ensures that functions do not run indefinitely and users must adjust their function or use other services for longer tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum execution time for an AWS Lambda function is currently set to 15 minutes. AWS Lambda allows developers to run code without managing servers, but it's crucial to know the limits in place. Execution time, also known as timeout, is one such limit imposed by AWS to ensure that functions do not run indefinitely.
The execution time can be set to any value between 1 second and 15 minutes (900 seconds). This allows for flexibility depending on the needs of your application. If you expect your function to run for longer periods, you will need to manage the execution by breaking the job into smaller, stateless functions or using other AWS services like AWS Step Functions to manage longer workflows.