In what format are policies defined in AWS IAM?

Policies in AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) are defined in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. This format is lightweight and text-based, making it easy for both humans and machines to read and write. JSON is commonly used in web applications and APIs, which makes it an ideal choice for defining IAM policies that control access to AWS resources.

The structure of IAM policies in JSON includes various components such as Version, Statement, Effect, Action, Resource, and Condition. Each of these components plays a crucial role in specifying what actions are permitted or denied for which resources under what circumstances. Utilizing JSON allows for the clear delineation of these components, enabling administrators to create fine-grained access controls efficiently.

JSON's compatibility with many programming languages and frameworks further supports its use in cloud services, ensuring that developers can easily manipulate and manage these policies programmatically. This makes the management of permissions and policies in AWS cloud environments more effective and streamlined.