Serverless Computing: Advantages, Limitations and Use Cases

Abstract

Serverless computing, also known simply as "serverless," represents a significant transformation in how applications are designed, deployed, and executed. Contrary to traditional methods where developers manage servers, serverless allows them to focus only on coding, trusting cloud providers with infrastructure responsibilities. This paradigm shift results in dynamic resource allocation, where users are billed based on actual resource consumption rather than pre-allocated capacities. The article elucidates serverless computing's nature, highlighting its core components - Function as a Service (FaaS) and Backend as a Service (BaaS). The benefits of serverless are underscored, including cost efficiency, inherent scalability, rapid development, and reduced operational demands. Yet, it is not without limitations. Concerns such as "cold starts," potential vendor lock-in, restricted customization, and specific security vulnerabilities are discussed. Practical serverless applications include web applications, data processing, IoT backends, chatbots, and ephemeral tasks. In conclusion, while serverless computing heralds a new age in cloud technology, businesses are encouraged to discerningly evaluate its pros and cons, mainly as the landscape evolves. The future is serverless, prompting organizations to determine their readiness for this revolution

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