What is server less function
A serverless function is a small, self-contained piece of code that is deployed and executed in a serverless computing environment. These functions are event-driven and run in response to specific triggers, such as HTTP requests, file uploads, database updates, or scheduled events.
Key Characteristics:
- No Server Management:
- Developers do not need to manage or provision servers. The cloud provider handles the infrastructure.
- Event-Driven:
- Functions are triggered by specific events like HTTP requests, messages in a queue, or file uploads.
- Scalability:
- Functions automatically scale up or down based on demand, accommodating varying workloads.
- Pay-per-Use:
- You only pay for the actual compute time and resources the function uses, rather than paying for idle capacity.
- Stateless:
- Each invocation of the function is independent, with no retained state between invocations. Developers use external storage if state persistence is needed.
Common Use Cases:
- APIs: Building RESTful or GraphQL APIs.
- Data Processing: Handling streaming data, transforming files, or processing logs.
- Scheduled Tasks: Running cron jobs or periodic tasks.
- Third-Party Integrations: Responding to webhook events or integrating with external services.
Examples of Serverless Platforms:
- AWS Lambda (Amazon Web Services)
- Azure Functions (Microsoft Azure)
- Google Cloud Functions
- Vercel Functions
- Netlify Functions
Serverless functions are popular because they simplify deployment and scaling, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than managing infrastructure.