Serverless APIs Explained
A Serverless
API is an application programming interface where the underlying
infrastructure (servers, scaling, and patching) is managed entirely by a cloud
provider. Instead of renting a server that runs 24/7, your code only executes
in response to specific HTTP requests.
1. How It
Works
A typical
serverless API architecture consists of three main components:
- API Gateway: Acts as the "front
door." It receives incoming HTTP requests (like GET or POST), handles
security, and routes the request to the correct function.
- Serverless Functions (FaaS): Discrete pieces of code that
contain the business logic. They spin up instantly to process the request
and shut down immediately after.
- Database/Storage: A managed, often
serverless, data store (e.g., Amazon DynamoDB) used to persist data
without managing a database server.
2. Core
Advantages
- Cost Efficiency: You only pay for the
milliseconds your code is running. If no one calls your API, you pay $0.
- Automatic Scaling: The system scales from
zero to thousands of concurrent requests instantly without manual
intervention.
- No Maintenance: The cloud provider handles
OS updates, security patches, and hardware management.
3. Key
Challenges
- Cold Starts: If a function hasn't been
used recently, there is a slight delay (latency) while the provider
"spins up" a new container.
- Execution Limits: Most providers impose a
timeout (e.g., 30 seconds, making them unsuitable for very long-running
tasks.
- Vendor Lock-in: Moving from one provider's
ecosystem (like AWS) to another (like Google Cloud) can be difficult due
to proprietary triggers and integrations.
4. Popular Platforms
- Google Cloud: Use Cloud
Run or Cloud Functions.
- Azure: Use Azure
Functions with API Management.