May 1, 2024
Updated June 15, 2025
22 minute read
Exploring the World of Serverless Computing
Serverless computing represents a significant evolution in how applications are built and deployed in the cloud. At its core, serverless allows developers to write and deploy code without managing the underlying server infrastructure. This doesn't mean servers are no longer involved; rather, the cloud provider handles the provisioning, scaling, and maintenance of the servers. This abstraction enables teams to focus more on creating features and less on operational overhead. Many find the ability to rapidly iterate on ideas and scale applications effortlessly to be particularly engaging aspects of working with serverless technologies. The pay-per-use pricing model also introduces an exciting dimension of cost optimization, directly linking expenditure to actual usage.
For those new to cloud technologies, serverless can seem like a complex topic, but its fundamental premise is to simplify development. Imagine being able to run your application's functions in response to specific events – like a user uploading a file or a new entry in a database – without worrying about whether your server can handle the load or if you're paying for idle time. This event-driven, auto-scaling nature is a cornerstone of serverless and opens up a dynamic way to build modern applications.
Introduction to Serverless Computing
Serverless computing is a cloud execution model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation and provisioning of servers. You, as a developer or organization, simply provide your application code, and the cloud provider runs it in response to events or requests. This model is a significant departure from traditional approaches that require you to provision, manage, and scale your own server infrastructure, whether physical or virtual.
jcw88u|
Find a path to becoming a Serverless. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/jcw88u/serverles
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Serverless.
Focuses on building serverless applications using Node.js and AWS Lambda, covering topics such as creating serverless functions, handling events, and working with databases. It is suitable for developers who want to learn how to build and deploy serverless applications using Node.js.
Focuses on building serverless data architectures using Google Cloud, covering topics such as data modeling, data storage, and data processing. It is suitable for data architects and developers who want to learn how to design and build serverless data architectures on Google Cloud.
Focuses on building serverless web applications using JavaScript, Node.js, and React, covering topics such as creating APIs, managing state, and deploying to the cloud. It is suitable for web developers who want to learn how to build and deploy serverless web applications using JavaScript and React.
Discusses security considerations for serverless applications, covering topics such as identity and access management, data encryption, and threat detection. It is suitable for security engineers and developers who want to learn how to secure serverless applications.
Focuses on the architectural aspects of serverless microservices, covering topics such as event-driven design, service discovery, and fault tolerance. It is suitable for architects and developers who want to learn how to design and build scalable, event-driven microservices using serverless technologies.
Provides a practical guide to building serverless applications using AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and DynamoDB. It is suitable for developers who want to learn how to build and deploy serverless applications on AWS.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/jcw88u/serverles