Serverless computing changes how applications are built and deployed. It shifts operational responsibilities to the cloud computing provider, enabling development teams to build applications faster and reduce costs. Instead of provisioning and maintaining servers, developers deploy code that runs in response to events. This model is designed for flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.
In serverless computing, servers are still running the code—but the tasks associated with infrastructure provisioning and management are invisible to the developer. This approach enables developers to focus on writing code and driving value for the business instead of managing infrastructure.
Traditional computing vs. serverless computing
Traditional application hosting requires managing servers, operating systems, and runtime environments. These tasks require a great deal of time and resources, often slowing down innovation. Serverless computing eliminates these obstacles by introducing a model where infrastructure is fully managed by the provider.
With serverless computing, developers write functions that execute only when triggered, which means resources are used only when needed. This approach is particularly useful for organizations that need to manage unpredictable workloads or scale applications quickly. It also supports agile development practices by allowing teams to build and ship faster.
Examples of serverless computing services include infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).