Serverless computing: Application hosting explained easily!

Serverless computing is a new concept in cloud computing technologies that allows companies to deploy software applications without the cost and complexity of servers or other physical resources. But how does this technology work? In this Article Let's explore the basics of serverless computing and how it can help you run your application more efficiently.

What is serverless computing?

Serverless computing is a model for deploying and running applications where the Provider Automatically manage server deployment and scaling. Serverless computing applications are implemented and executed in small components called functions. The functions are only executed when an external trigger calls them. Because no server scaling is required, serverless computing is extremely scalable and cost-effective.

The different types of serverless computing

Serverless computing offers a number of advantages over traditional hosting models. The main benefits are cost savings, scalability and easier management.

For companies that need their IT infrastructure optimize and want to reduce costs, serverless computing is an interesting option. By automatically scaling the Resources Companies can significantly reduce their IT costs. Likewise, managing the infrastructure is simpler and less complicated than with traditional hosting models.

Advantages and disadvantages of serverless computing

Advantages and disadvantages of serverless computing

The advantages of serverless computing are:
1. The costs only depend on actual usage. You only pay for the provision of your application when it is actually used.
2. Scaling is automatic. The provider adapts the infrastructure to the current needs of your application, so you don't have to worry about anything.
3. Serverless computing is highly flexible. Since you don't have any of your own Server & Hosting You can easily adapt your application to new environments or requirements.
4. The management of servers is no longer necessary. The provider takes care of all necessary updates and maintenance work, so you can concentrate completely on your application.

Disadvantages of serverless computing are:
1. Some developers prefer to create their own Server & Hosting to operate and potentially have more control over the infrastructure.
2. Since serverless computing is based on cloud computing, availability could be affected if the provider experiences outages.
3. Managing user accounts and rights is more difficult because they are directly connected to the cloud and cannot be managed manually.

How does serverless computing work?

Serverless computing is a model for delivering applications and services in which the provider automatically manages the deployment and scaling of the infrastructure.
This means you don't have to worry about it Server & Hosting have to do, on-premises or in the cloud. Instead, you can focus on your application and not worry about infrastructure.
This model is ideal for companies that want to optimize their resources and reduce costs.

Examples of serverless computing

Serverless computing is a type of cloud computing in which applications and services are delivered without their own virtual or physical servers. The provider provides the infrastructure and takes care of the provision and scaling of the resources. The administration of the server infrastructure is therefore completely eliminated.

This model is ideal for small and medium-sized applications as there are no fixed costs Server & Hosting Hardware or software exists. The costs depend on the actual need for resources, which is particularly advantageous when demand is seasonal or fluctuating. 

The following services can be mentioned as examples of serverless computing: 

AWS Lambda: 

AWS Lambda is a serverless computing service from Amazon Web Services that enables developers to build and run applications without worrying about deploying and scaling servers having to take care of. This works most reliably with other AWS services such as Amazon S3, Amazon DynamoDB and Amazon API Gateway.

Microsoft Azure Functions:

Microsoft Azure Functions is a serverless computing model from Microsoft Azure. It allows developers to run small pieces of code without having to worry about infrastructure. Azure Functions is a service specifically designed to create and run individual functions rather than complete applications. Azure Functions can be used in a variety of programming languages ​​such as C#, F#, JavaScript, Java and Python can be used. It provides developers with the ability to use only the resources necessary for their code and can include code that responds to various events or runs periodically. This makes it possible to implement and deploy a custom function with little effort. Azure Functions also supports auto-scaling based on user needs.

Google Cloud Functions:

Google Cloud Functions is a serverless computing model from Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It enables developers to deploy and run application functions in a serverless environment.
Cloud Functions allow developers to break code into functions instead of building more complex applications. Cloud functions only run when they are needed and there is no requirement that one Server & Hosting or a specific operating system is set up. There is no need for managing servers or resources.

Google Cloud Functions can be used for different types of use cases such as: for executing regular tasks, responding to events, and as a backend component for web, mobile, or Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Alternatives to serverless computing

There are some application deployment options where the provider handles deployment and scaling servers managed automatically. Some of these options include Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Functions-as-a-Service (FaaS), and Container-as-a-Service (CaaS).

Platform as a Service (PaaS):

Serverless computing is often considered a subcategory of PaaS because most serverless platforms are based on a PaaS environment.

PaaS is a category of cloud computing in which the provider provides and manages the infrastructure and platform on which customer applications run. The customers do not have to worry about managing or maintaining the infrastructure and can concentrate on developing their application in every respect.

Traditional PaaS offerings provide an environment to Hosting of web applications, databases, messaging systems, etc. Serverless PaaS extends this Concept

PaaS is a cloud-based solution where the management and Scaling servers is managed by the provider. It provides users with a complete development framework that simplifies the creation, deployment, and management of applications.

Functions as a Service (FaaS):

FaaS is a special type of PaaS in which functions and applications are divided into small components - so-called "functional blocks". This allows users to deploy specific parts of their application on a time-dependent basis.
The biggest advantage of FaaS is that it is a very efficient way to run applications and functions. Because a function can be performed in real time, performance can be delivered more quickly, resulting in lower costs for the user. Likewise, the user does not have to write and manage all the code; it can only execute the required function blocks. This speeds up development and simplifies maintenance.

Container as a Service (CaaS):

CaaS is a framework that allows users to build and manage applications in containers. It is simpler than PaaS as it manages servers not required, but it makes it easier to scale and deploy applications.
CaaS solutions enable users to efficiently create, manage and scale containers within a protected environment. They allow you to assign permissions to containers, monitor them and ensure that they are always kept up to date. These services make it easier and more cost-effective for companies to deliver customizable and scalable applications.

Conclusion

Using serverless computing is an interesting way to reduce the costs of deploying and scaling applications. The Provider takes over the administration of the server, allowing customers to focus on their core application. However, in many cases it is advisable to hire an experienced one Service to implement and support the solution to ensure that the application runs smoothly.

Note..is important!

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Jan Domke

Prompt Engineer | Social Media Manager | Hosting Manager | Web administrator

I have been running the online magazine privately since the end of 2021 SEO4Business and thus turned my job into a hobby.
I have been working as a since 2019 Senior Hosting Manager, at one of the largest internet and marketing agencies in Germany and am constantly expanding my horizons.

Jan Domke