Serverless computing is a method of providing backend services where the provider handles the infrastructure. Serverless vendors charge users based on computation usage, unlike traditional cloud providers who charge for a fixed amount of bandwidth or server space. Serverless computing offers a flexible and cost-effective solution to purchase backend services on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, reducing wasted space and simplifying scalability.
Backend services are the part of an application that is not visible to the user. It includes servers and databases that store the application’s files and user data. In contrast, the frontend is the part that the user interacts with, like the visual layout of a website. The backend and frontend communicate with each other, allowing the user to search for information and complete a purchase, among other things.
Serverless computing can provide database, storage, and Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) platforms. Even though the name suggests the absence of servers, they are still used, but developers do not have to manage them. FaaS allows developers to build modular architectures and execute small pieces of code on the network edge. Some benefits of serverless computing include lower costs, simplified scalability, and quicker turnaround time.
Serverless computing isn’t quite the same as Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) models. BaaS and PaaS do not fully meet the requirements of serverless computing, which is an event-driven and edge-based application, whereas IaaS providers may offer serverless functionality, but it is not synonymous with serverless computing.
Looking to learn more? We suggest heading over to Cloudflare’s Learning Center for an in-depth look at serverless computing.
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