Serverless computing’s most common uses

Function as a service (FaaS), also known as serverless computing, focuses on event-driven triggers, in which code is executed in response to events or requests. Because of its ease and cost benefits, serverless is gaining popularity among developers.

Developers that use FaaS have access to a platform that allows them to run their code, allowing them to focus exclusively on the coding and development of their application rather than worrying about server maintenance. Developers save money by only getting charged for what they use because the code only runs in response to events or requests.

Serverless computing also enables developers to auto-scale horizontally without the need for capacity planning or continuous maintenance, resulting in a faster time to market due to the simplicity with which services may be developed and tested.

The most common uses for serverless computing:

FaaS shines when it’s utilized for simple, repeatable tasks with predictable workloads and low request volumes. FaaS can be utilized in a variety of ways, including web apps, talking to APIs, and online chatbots, as well as changing a website’s UI via A/B tests and geolocation. APIs for web and mobile applications, video processing, data processing, and the Internet of Things are just a few of the most common use cases for FaaS. (IoT).

Web and mobile applications for APIs:

For event-driven systems like RESTful, FaaS is an excellent choice. Developers frequently wish to integrate serverless components into their existing apps. For example, a Jamstack developer who wants to add a new API to their website or app can use a FaaS offering to write basic functions that are triggered by certain events.

Many of the websites we use on a daily basis use functions to manage event-driven operations. Functions are typically used to access an API and then supply the required information on sites that load dynamic content. Websites that require user input, such as an address for delivery, frequently use functions to do backend verification to ensure that the information—in this case, the address—provided by the consumer is correct.

While containers can accomplish these duties as well, functions shine when there is a lot of traffic. Serverless APIs are simple to create and maintain, and they scale easily to meet demand. They can be incredibly cost-effective to use for a component that doesn’t require a state because they just operate when triggered. Functions simply auto-scale during peak seasons or times when website traffic is heavy and workloads significantly rise, giving a better customer experience while saving time and headaches for developers.

Data processing and multimedia:

FaaS is commonly used to store or process user inputs, such as multimedia or other sorts of data. Using FaaS to conduct particular operations based on the type of material a user upload is one example. Developers save time and money by creating a single function that triggers the right reaction to a media upload.

The simple nature of FaaS also allows for the easy intake and processing of huge amounts of data, allowing for the creation of powerful data pipelines with little to no infrastructure upkeep. Developers can utilize functions to save information in a database or connect to an API to store data in an external database when creating a CRM or CMS solution. Developers can save a lot of time by using FaaS for different processing components because they just have to write one function. Because developers are only charged when events are triggered, using FaaS for data processing can save a lot of money.

The Internet of Things (IoT):

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to internet-connected devices that perform functions in our homes. These devices are increasingly relying on FaaS to carry out their jobs, merely sending and receiving data in response to events. Businesses save money because they don’t have to pay for computing power that isn’t being used. Developers don’t have to worry about unpredictable consumption patterns as consumers use smart home devices because FaaS enables easy and automated scaling.