serverless computing is a revolutionary method of providing backend services on an as-used basis. While servers are still utilized, the key difference is that a company receiving backend services from a serverless vendor is charged based on their usage, rather than a fixed amount of bandwidth or number of servers. This allows for a more cost-effective and flexible approach, as developers only have to pay for the services they actually use. With serverless computing, developers can focus on writing and deploying their code without the need to worry about the underlying infrastructure, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. As the serverless architecture continues to evolve and address its drawbacks, we can expect to see its widespread adoption in the future.
What is Serverless Computing?
Serverless Definition
Serverless computing is a method of providing backend services on an as-used basis. A serverless provider allows users to write and deploy code without the hassle of worrying about the underlying infrastructure. A company that gets backend services from a serverless vendor is charged based on their computation and do not have to reserve and pay for a fixed amount of bandwidth or number of servers, as the service is auto-scaling. Note that despite the name serverless, physical servers are still used but developers do not need to be aware of them.
Backend Services on an As-Used Basis
In serverless computing, backend services are provided by a vendor and accessed by users as needed. This means that the infrastructure and servers required to run these services are managed by the vendor, relieving users of the responsibility of setting up and maintaining servers themselves. Users can focus on writing and deploying code without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
Charges Based on Usage
One of the key features of serverless computing is that users are charged based on their usage of the backend services. Instead of paying a fixed amount for a certain amount of server space or bandwidth, users only pay for the actual computation they use. This can lead to cost savings, as users don’t have to pay for unused server resources.
Auto-Scaling of Services
Serverless computing platforms are designed to automatically scale the backend services based on demand. This means that if there is a sudden increase in traffic or activity, the platform will automatically allocate additional server resources to handle the load. Conversely, if the demand decreases, the platform will scale down the resources to optimize cost efficiency.
Physical Servers Still Used but Handled by Vendor
Despite the name “serverless,” physical servers are still used in serverless computing. However, the management and maintenance of these servers are handled by the vendor. Users don’t have to worry about provisioning, configuring, or managing servers themselves. The vendor takes care of all the server-related tasks, allowing users to focus on their code.
What are Backend Services?
Difference Between Frontend and Backend
In application development, there are generally two realms: the frontend and the backend. The frontend is the part of the application that users see and interact with. It includes the visual layout, user interface, and any interactions the user has with the application. The backend, on the other hand, is the part of the application that the user doesn’t see. It includes the server where the application’s files are hosted and the database where user data and business logic are stored.
User Interaction with Frontend and Requests to Backend
When a user interacts with a web application, they typically start by accessing the frontend through their browser. The user’s browser sends requests to the backend server for data or to perform certain actions. The backend server processes these requests, retrieves or manipulates data from the database, and sends the response back to the user’s browser. The frontend then displays the data or performs the requested action based on the response from the backend.
Backend Services Include Server and Database
Backend services include the server and the database. The server is responsible for hosting the application’s files and handling requests from the frontend. It runs the necessary code to process the requests, retrieve or modify data from the database, and send the response back to the frontend. The database is where user data, application data, and business logic are stored. The backend services work together to provide the necessary functionality for the web application.
What Kind of Backend Services Can Serverless Computing Provide?
Database and Storage Services
Most serverless providers offer database and storage services to their users. These services allow users to store and retrieve data from the serverless platform without having to set up and manage their own databases or storage systems. Users can leverage these services to store application data, user data, or any other relevant information.
Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) Platforms
Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) platforms are another type of backend service that serverless computing can provide. FaaS allows developers to execute small pieces of code, known as functions, on the network edge. These functions can be triggered by specific events or requests, and they can provide specific functionality to the application. FaaS platforms enable developers to build modular architectures and create simple functions that can perform specific tasks without the need for complex backend code.
What Are the Advantages of Serverless Computing?
Lower Costs
serverless computing can be cost-effective compared to traditional cloud providers of backend services. With traditional providers, users often pay for unused server space or idle CPU time. In serverless computing, users only pay for the actual computation they use, which can result in cost savings. Additionally, the auto-scaling nature of serverless platforms ensures efficient resource allocation, further optimizing costs.
Simplified Scalability
Scalability is a critical aspect of any application. With serverless computing, developers don’t have to worry about scaling their code manually. The serverless platform handles the scaling on-demand, automatically allocating additional server resources when needed. This simplifies the process of scaling and ensures that the application can handle varying levels of traffic or activity without manual intervention.
Simplified Backend Code
Developers using serverless architecture can focus on writing modular and simple functions that perform specific tasks. They don’t have to worry about managing complex backend infrastructure or dealing with the intricacies of server provisioning and configuration. This results in cleaner and more manageable code, which can lead to improved development efficiency and code quality.
Quicker Turnaround
serverless architecture allows developers to deploy code changes and updates more quickly compared to traditional backend models. Instead of needing a complex deployment process to roll out bug fixes or new features, developers can add and modify code on a piecemeal basis. This can significantly reduce the time to market for new features and improvements, enabling rapid iteration and response to user feedback.
How Does Serverless Compare to Other Cloud Backend Models?
Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS)
Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a service model where a cloud provider offers backend services, such as data storage, allowing developers to focus on writing frontend code. While BaaS shares similarities with serverless computing, it may not meet the requirements of serverless applications. BaaS applications may not be event-driven or run at the network edge, which are key characteristics of serverless architecture.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
platform-as-a-service (PaaS) is a model where developers rent all the necessary tools to develop and deploy applications from a cloud provider. This includes operating systems, middleware, and other components required to run and manage applications. While PaaS provides some level of abstraction and ease of use, it may not offer the same scalability and event-driven nature as serverless computing. PaaS applications may also have noticeable startup delays that are not present in serverless applications.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a broader term that encompasses various cloud services, including serverless functionality. IaaS providers host and manage infrastructure on behalf of their customers, allowing them to build and deploy applications without having to manage physical servers. While serverless computing can be provided within an IaaS framework, the terms are not synonymous. Serverless computing focuses on providing backend services on an as-used basis, while IaaS covers a broader range of infrastructure-related services.
What Is Next for Serverless?
Addressing Cold Start Latency
One of the challenges with serverless computing is the latency introduced by cold starts. When a serverless function has not been called for a while, the provider shuts it down to save energy and resources. The next time the function is called, it needs to be spun up again, resulting in increased latency. Serverless providers are continuously working on addressing this issue to reduce or eliminate cold start latency and improve overall performance.
Cloudflare Workers Solution for Zero Cold Starts
Cloudflare Workers, a Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform, has introduced a solution to address the cold start problem. Instead of spinning up serverless functions on-demand, Cloudflare Workers pre-warms the functions during the TLS handshake process. This means that the functions are already running and available to serve requests, resulting in zero cold starts. This innovative approach significantly reduces latency and enhances the performance of serverless applications.
Growing Popularity of Edge Computing
Serverless computing is closely tied to the concept of edge computing, which brings computational resources closer to the users. As the demand for low-latency and high-performance applications increases, the popularity of edge computing is also growing. Serverless architecture, with its ability to execute code at the network edge, is well-positioned to take advantage of the benefits offered by edge computing. As a result, we can expect to see serverless architecture becoming more widespread and integrated with edge computing technologies.
In conclusion, serverless computing offers a flexible and cost-effective approach to backend services. It allows developers to focus on writing code without the need to manage infrastructure. With its scalability, simplified code, and quick turnaround, serverless architecture provides numerous advantages over traditional cloud backend models. As serverless providers continue to address challenges like cold start latency and edge computing gains momentum, the future of serverless computing looks promising.
