Serverless architecture is a software design pattern that eradicates the need for hardware management and server software by the developer. In serverless architecture, applications are hosted by a third-party service and these applications are broken up into individual functions that can be invoked and sealed individually. Serverless architecture is also known as serverless computing. Serverless computing is a part of the cloud-based computing service. Other cloud-based computing service include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS).
In serverless computing, the developer only charges the user for the computing resources and the storage needed to carry out a particular piece of code. Even though servers are still involved, their provision and maintenance are totally taken care of by the cloud provider. The only cost that is charged to the user is the compute time they consume, instead of a flat monthly fee for maintenance.
How Does Serverless Architecture Work?
There are two elements that make up a web application; These elements are the frontend and the backend. What is seen, and can be interacted with is called the frontend. While the backend is responsible for the result of those interactions. For example; returning appropriate information taken from a database, is the responsibility of the backend.
Developers depend on serverless computing to execute specific functions. Due to these executions, cloud service providers offer Function-as-a-Service (FaaS).
This is how the functions are executed in a serverless way; The first step taken by the developer is to write a function, and this function written serves a particular purpose within the application code. When the function is written, the developer then defines the event. The cloud service provider is triggered by the event, this prompts the cloud service provider to execute the function. An HTTP request is a common type of event. Then the next step is to trigger the event. If the defined event is an HTTP request, this event becomes triggered when a user triggers the event with a click. The next step is to execute the function. When executing the function, the cloud service provider checks if an instance of the function is running ahead and if it's not, it will start a new instance for the function. Then the result is sent to the user. The result of the executed function inside the application is seen by the user.
The Benefits of Serverless Architecture
Serverless computing has its own benefits and these benefits are very visible. Hence it remains the favorite of many developers.
No server management is necessary
Even though serverless computing actually takes place on servers, web developers don’t get to deal with the servers. The servers are managed by the vendor. It can reduce the investment used in software development which in return reduces the expenses. It also helps to allow developers to have more time to execute and expand their application without being limited by the capacity of servers.
Developers are only charged for the server space.
Developers are only charged for the server space they use, thereby reducing costs. It's more like "pay as you go" payment plan. The codes run only when the backend functions are needed for serverless applications. Unlike in a traditional server-full computing, where developers have to estimate in advance how much server capacity they will need when purchasing. And most times they get their estimations wrong and end up losing so much money. So, with the introduction of serverless computing they don't need to estimate before the purchase. They pay per usage.
Serverless architectures are inherently scalable
Applications built with a serverless computing will scale immediately as the user base increases. They will be no need for re-development as usage increases. While a traditional computing application that has a fixed amount of server can be overwhelmed by an immediate rise in user base. A serverless application will be able to control any uncommon increase in the numbers of requests in as much as it can control and process a single user.
Quick deployments and updates are possible
This is one amazing ability of the serverless architecture that makes it really easy to use. When using serverless computing, the developer will not need to upload code to servers or do any kind of backend configuration in order to execute a working version of an application. The developers can quickly upload the code and then release a new product. It also makes it possible and very easy to make quick updates, repairs or add new features to an already existing application.
The Drawbacks of Serverless Computing
Due to the increasing use of serverless computing, we can say it has won the heart of many developers because of its affordability. But we can't overlook some its downsides.
Security
Security is one of biggest challenges associated with serverless computing and that's why it tops this list. The serverless computing is really prone to large attacks from hackers. Since it is made up of many components, it raises the risk in data exposure. In the serverless computing, the vendor is the one who holds the backend and everything that it comprises of. So you can't be sure of the amount of security it provides.
Possible Timeouts and Latency
Serverless computing applications are made up of functions. And these functions are initialized only when called for serverless code that are not usually used, thereby taking a lot of time to start returning results. It is called a “cold start”. This entire process causes lagging and can affect user experience and cause delays.
Serverless Architecture: Best Use-Cases
If you want to build a lightweight application, then serverless application is probably your best choice. This computing model is actually good for applications that don’t have much usage.
The best use-cases for serverless architecture are:
- Web apps with little workload and less traffic
- A mobile applications’ backend
- Media processing applications
- IT automation
- Virtual assistance
Where Not to Use Serverless Architecture
Large Applications
It is advised you use traditional servers when developing large applications. Serverless models are better for smaller applications.
Migration of Legacy Applications
The cost of migrating legacy application would be too much on a serverless architecture.
Is Serverless Really the Future?
Even though the Serverless architecture has some drawbacks, it still has won the heart of many due to its affordability. It is still a new technology, and we are sure there is room for improvement. Most big enterprise like Amazon, Netflix, T-Mobile have already acknowledged the potential offered by serverless architecture. The serverless architecture is definitely open to modification.
