Serverless computing

Definition

Serverless computing is a cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation of machine resources, allowing developers to focus solely on writing code without worrying about server management. This model enhances scalability and reduces operational overhead, as developers only pay for the actual computing resources used during execution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Serverless computing enables automatic scaling of applications based on demand, so resources are allocated as needed without manual intervention.
2. In this model, users are billed only for the time their code is actually running, leading to potential cost savings compared to traditional server-based architectures.
3. Popular serverless platforms include AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions, each providing unique features for building and deploying serverless applications.
4. Serverless computing encourages developers to adopt event-driven design patterns, allowing for greater flexibility in application design and responsiveness to user interactions.
5. Despite its name, serverless computing still relies on servers, but the complexity of server management is abstracted away from the developer.

Review Questions

• How does serverless computing impact the scalability of applications compared to traditional server management?
  • Serverless computing enhances application scalability by automatically adjusting resources based on real-time demand without requiring developers to manage servers. In traditional server management, developers must provision and maintain sufficient resources to handle peak loads, which can lead to over-provisioning or under-provisioning. With serverless models, resources are allocated dynamically, ensuring that applications can scale up or down efficiently as needed.
• Discuss how event-driven architecture complements serverless computing in application development.
  • Event-driven architecture works hand-in-hand with serverless computing by enabling applications to respond to events such as user actions or system changes. In a serverless model, functions can be triggered by specific events, allowing for efficient execution without continuous running servers. This synergy leads to more responsive applications that can easily adapt to various workloads while minimizing resource use and costs.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of adopting serverless computing for software development practices and organizational structures.
  • Adopting serverless computing has profound long-term implications for software development practices and organizational structures. It promotes a shift towards microservices and agile methodologies, allowing teams to deploy features independently and reduce time-to-market. Additionally, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently and focus on innovation rather than infrastructure management. As developers become more accustomed to this paradigm, it may redefine roles within teams, leading to a greater emphasis on automation and collaboration.

Related terms

Function as a Service (FaaS):

A cloud service model that allows developers to deploy individual functions or pieces of code that are executed in response to events without the need to manage servers.

Event-driven architecture: A software architecture pattern that relies on events to trigger and communicate between decoupled services, enabling more responsive applications.

Microservices: An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services, each focusing on a specific business capability and often deployed independently.