What is Serverless Computing & Should You Use It?

So, what is Serverless Computing?

This type of computing is a method of backend services that are basically a pay-as-you-go server. The server allows users to write code without the hassle of worrying about the infrastructure of the backend of the website. The companies that use the serverless vendors pay based on their usage and don’t have to reserve the number of servers etc. This is because the server is automatically scaling. You must understand that even though it’s called serverless, there is still a physical server however the developer doesn’t need to worry about this.

Why use Serverless?

Serverless allows you to construct applications with increased efficiency and reducing the costs of ownership. This type of server is effective because it allows the websites developers can focus on the product without having to worry about the running and management of the server. The reduced costs let developers regain time that can be spent on developing excellent products.

What is the difference between backend and frontend services?

The front-end services are the part of the website that we can see and the user can interact with. The backend of the website is the part we don’t see, this contains the server the files are running on and the user data is stored. The front end and backend of a website work in harmony, for example, the Manchester United ticket website. The front end passes on information to the backend to see if there is any availability for 3 tickets to the Newcastle United game. The back end checks the database to see if there are any tickets available for that match. Then the backend responds to the frontend if there are any tickets. The frontend gives feedback to the user if the tickets are available. If the tickets are purchased the front end informs the backend and the code is then altered.

Advantages of Serverless Computing

• Low costs

Serverless Computing is very cost-effective, as other cloud providers of backend services often make you pay for unused space or non-using CPU time.

• No Server Management

As Serverless Computing actually does have a server, developers don’t have to deal with the servers. The server is managed by the vendor, this therefore reduced the price having of paying developers and allows them to produce great websites without having to be constrained by server capacity.

• Quick Updates are possible

When on a serverless infrastructure, you do not need to upload code or do any backend work in order to produce a working application. Developers can quickly upload code and release new products onto the website. They can upload code all at once or individually. The revolutionary computing enables developers to update fix and patch features in the application.

Disadvantages of Serverless Computing

• Testing and debugging can be challenging

Developers will struggle to replicate the serverless environment to see how the code will look once live on the website. Debugging code is difficult because the developer doesn’t have any access to the backend of the website. The server is split up into smaller functions.

• Performance may be affected

As serverless code isn’t always running, the code may need to ‘boot up’ which could reduce performance levels. This could slow the website down meaning that bounce rate may be higher on the website (people clicking on the website, then clicking off straight away). However, if used regularly the serverless provider will be activated and ready to go when called upon.

Should you jump on the serverless bandwagon?

There are both pros and cons involved when you considerate serverless computing, it can be a difficult one. However, this new server can revolutionise the way we code websites in years to come. 

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