Serverless computing is a computing method where you can write and deploy code without worrying about the infrastructure. The cloud provider is responsible for provisioning, scaling, and maintaining all the infrastructure.
Serverless computing means lower operational costs since you are charged on a pay-per-use basis. You only pay for the time your application runs rather than a fixed amount of computing power. Read on to learn more about serverless computing and why it might be the best option for you.
How Does Serverless Computing Work?
When building applications, developers usually have to perform other server management tasks, such as load balancing and defining resources for storage and processing. This is costly and time-consuming.
However, with serverless computing, developers don't have to think about servers or other resources an application requires to run. Instead, the service provider does all the maintenance work. They ensure the resources are available for the developer to execute their code without having to pay for extra capacity.
What Does Serverless Architecture Look Like?
Every application has two main parts: the front end and the back end. You can only see and interact with the front end as an end user. It includes the buttons, visual layout, and display text.
On the other hand, the backend handles data and other processes behind the scenes, meaning you can't really access it. For example, consider an online food delivery app. The front end is the app's UI, where you can browse menus, see images, and choose whatever you want to order.
When you order a meal, your request goes to the backend, which checks the restaurants database to see if the food you ordered is available. Once it verifies everything, the backend sends the information back to the front end, showing your order details.
Concepts of a Serverless Architecture That You Should Know About
Using serverless computing means that you don't have to worry about server management.
However, it's still important to familiarize yourself with these terms:
Functions: Serverless functions are code units written by a software developer for a
single purpose. They are then hosted and maintained in the cloud infrastructure by the
service provider. Functions need to run on computing resources like memory and CPU.
The cloud provider will make these resources available only when you need to use them.
Scaling Requests: The platform monitors your usage and allocates resources without limits. The more you use a function, the more resources it needs to run. When you're no longer using the function, the cloud provider stops allocating resources, saving you money.
Function as a Service (FaaS): Function as a service (Faas) is basically the architecture that allows you to run code without the need to manage the servers. This allows you to channel your focus on the code.
Backend as a Service (Baas): Baas allows you to outsource all the behind-the-scenes aspects of an app, so you can only write and maintain the front end. You can access the backend functions using an API. APIs are rules or protocols that enable software applications to communicate with each other.
Duration: This is the time it takes for a serverless function to run.
Cold Start: This refers to the delay that happens when a function runs for the first time or after being idle for a while.
Concurrency Limit: This refers to the maximum number of times a function can run
simultaneously.
Timeout: This is the maximum time a cloud provider lets a function run before stopping it.
Serverless Vs. Other Types of Cloud Computing
Serverless computing is similar to other types of cloud computing in that the resources are available for use on demand, and you pay only for the resources you use.
However, the resources allocated to you in a cloud environment remain active even if you're not using them. You are also responsible for increasing or decreasing server capacity or setting up your applications to adjust automatically based on demand.
On the other hand, serverless computing only allocates infrastructure when you need it and shuts it down when not in use.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Serverless Computing?
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Advantages
It improves the productivity of developers: When using a serverless environment, you don't have to worry about managing and maintaining the infrastructure. That means you can channel most of your efforts into writing code.
It's cost-effective: Serverless cloud providers charge on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning you only pay for the resources you use. This architecture also saves you personnel costs associated with managing and maintaining the infrastructure.
It allows you to develop in any language: A serverless computing environment allows you to write code in any language or framework that you're comfortable with.
You can scale up and down as you please: The serverless architecture automatically adjusts to load demand. That means you won't have to buy more or less than what you need.
Disadvantages
You don't have control over the servers: In a serverless environment, you hand over control of servers to the vendor. That means if an issue arises, you will depend on the provider to solve it.
It's not very secure: Some cloud providers run codes from several customers on the same server at the same time. If the server isn't well configured, you risk getting your data exposed.
Higher cost for running long applications: Serverless computing runs on a pay-as-you-go basis. Therefore, running codes for extended periods may be expensive.
Performance impact: Cold starts can affect the performance of serverless architectures, especially in real-time demand environments.
Vendor lock-in: Every service provider offers different features and serverless capabilities that are not compatible with other vendors. This makes it difficult to mix and match services from different vendors.
Is Serverless Computing Right for You?
Serverless computing is the right option if you want to build and deploy applications quickly without worrying about infrastructure. However, it might be an expensive option if you run long codes on a regular basis. Therefore, before making a decision, you should first weigh your options to make the right move for your company.