How can I test a script that creates an ec2 instance without actually creating it?

I am scripting creation and manipulation of an ec2 instance. During testing all is well except that I actually launch the instance, which fairly costly in the long run.

I have been searching for a test end point where I can verify that syntax of the call I make is ok, but I have not been able to fin开发者_JAVA百科d one.

Is there any way I can send ec2 api requests, for instance running new instances, and get responses without actually launching the instance?

I see a few ways. The cheapest I think is (as @stivlo suggested) run up one of the free instances.

Maybe a bit overkill but you could run a local version of Eucalyptus for testing. See more at http://open.eucalyptus.com/. When I looked at it (about 6-9 months ago) it worked with the ec2 tools

The third (and possibly most suitable) is write a script that stops\terminates an ec2 instance. That way you run one up, when it's been confirmed turn it off. The cost involved would be pence.