What Is Serverless Computing?

Serverless computing is a way to build and run applications without managing servers.

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Instead of setting up and maintaining a server, you just write your code, and a cloud provider (like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure) runs it for you.

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This means you don’t have to worry about things like scaling, maintenance, or paying for unused server time.

How Does Serverless Work?

Imagine you’re running an online store, and you need to process orders.

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Instead of keeping a server running 24/7, you can use a serverless function that only runs when someone places an order.

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Once the task is done, it shuts down automatically, saving you money and reducing complexity.

AWS Lambda: A Practical Example

AWS Lambda is one of the most popular serverless computing services.

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It lets you run code only when needed, without provisioning or managing servers.

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Example: Sending an Email on Form Submission

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Let’s say you have a contact form on your website.

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Instead of keeping a server running to handle form submissions, you can use AWS Lambda.

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Here’s how it works:

1. A visitor fills out your form and clicks submit.
2. The form triggers an AWS Lambda function.
3. The Lambda function processes the form data and sends an email.
4. Once done, the function shuts down, and you only pay for the milliseconds it was running.

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Why Use Serverless Computing?

Serverless computing is ideal for:

• Cost Savings: You only pay when your code runs, unlike traditional servers that charge even when idle.
• Scalability: Your app can handle 1 or 1 million users without any manual changes.
• Less Maintenance: No need to update or manage servers—everything is handled by the cloud provider.
• Faster Development: Focus on writing code instead of managing infrastructure.

Common Use Cases for Serverless

• Processing File Uploads: Resize images when a user uploads them.
• Automated Notifications: Send push notifications or emails.
• Chatbots & AI Processing: Run AI models only when needed.
• Scheduled Tasks: Run a script every day without keeping a server on.

Key Takeaway

Serverless computing is a game-changer for developers who want to build scalable, cost-efficient apps without managing infrastructure.

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AWS Lambda makes it easy to execute code when needed, making applications faster, lighter, and more cost-effective.

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Whether you’re processing user actions, handling automation, or building real-time features, serverless computing helps you focus on coding while the cloud takes care of the rest.