Serverless
Cloud computing model where providers automatically manage server infrastructure, enabling developers to focus on code without server maintenance costs.
Definition
Serverless computing is a cloud model where the provider manages server infrastructure, automatically allocating resources as needed. Developers write functions that run in response to events without managing servers, containers, or scaling.
Despite the name, servers still exist—developers just don't manage them. Pricing is typically based on execution time and resources used, with no charges for idle time.
Why It Matters
Serverless simplifies deployment and can reduce costs for variable workloads by eliminating always-on infrastructure. It excels for event-driven tasks, APIs, and workloads with unpredictable traffic.
Understanding serverless tradeoffs helps teams choose appropriate infrastructure for different use cases.
Examples in Practice
AWS Lambda functions processing image uploads, running only when files are uploaded.
Serverless APIs using functions that scale from zero to thousands of concurrent executions automatically.
Event-driven architectures where functions respond to database changes, messages, or schedules.