The most common scenarios for serverless computing

Serverless computing, also known as function as a service (FaaS), relies on event-driven triggers, in which code is performed 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 online and mobile apps, video processing, data processing, and the Internet of Things are just a few of the most frequent FaaS uses.

APIs for applications on the web and on mobile devices: For event-driven systems like RESTful, FaaS is an excellent choice. Developers frequently wish to integrate serverless components into their existing apps. A Jamstack developer, for example, can use a FaaS offering to write basic functions that are triggered by specific events in order to add a new API to their website or app. Many of the websites we visit everyday use functions to manage event-driven activities.

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. Backend verification functions are widely used on websites that require user input, such as an address for delivery, to guarantee 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 easy to set up and manage, and they can readily scale to meet demand. Because they only run when triggered, they can be highly cost-effective for a component that doesn’t require a state. During peak seasons or periods when website traffic is high and workloads are high, functions easily auto-scale, providing a better customer experience while saving time and difficulties for developers.

Multimedia and data processing: FaaS is frequently used to store or process user inputs like video or other types 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. When building a CRM or CMS solution, developers can use functions to save data in a database or connect to an API to store data in an external database. Developers can save a lot of time by using FaaS for different processing components because they just have to write one function. FaaS for data processing can save a lot of money because developers are only charged when events are triggered.

The Internet of Things (IoT): Internet-connected gadgets that perform functions in our homes are referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). These devices are increasingly relying on FaaS to carry out their jobs, merely sending and receiving data in response to events. Businesses save money by not having to pay for computer processing 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.