What is Functions as a Service (FaaS)?

Functions as a Service or FaaS is a serverless computing execution model that allows developers to easily deploy and execute applications without any need to manage the servers. In summary, with FaaS, you write the code while the cloud provider automatically handles server deployment, resource allocation, and environment management.

In the FaaS model, developers write code in the form of functions, which are small, independent chunks designed to perform a single operation. These functions are initiated by events, for instance, HTTP requests, database changes, or a file upload event. When an event occurs, the cloud provider immediately allocates the resources needed for the function and releases them after the function’s event is done. This computing model allows event-driven, serverless deployment, which means charging per function execution.

FaaS and SaaS are deployment models in the cloud-computing environment, even though they have different functions.

• FaaS: It provides a platform for executing custom code triggered by specific events. Application developers control the code and the infrastructure, whereas scaling is handled automatically and at the most micro level. Costs are determined by the actual resources used (pay-as-you-go).
• SaaS: Provides pre-configured software solutions through a cloud infrastructure. Users work with the given interface but have limited control over the underlying infrastructure. This is because the scalability is normally limited in subscription plans while costs are normally charged on Abonnements.

FaaS is a type of serverless computing where developers specifically are concerned with writing code and may have very little control over the servers. It allows adjusting the scale of activity and is based on an automatic mechanism of charging for use as a function of workload in an application.

Despite the benefits that come with FaaS, it’s critical to discuss some of the disadvantages.

• Vendor Lock-In: There may be variations between how FaaS is implemented between different cloud suppliers, which might create difficulties in moving your application.
• Cold Starts: The initial commencement time of dormant functions can be prolonged, leading to feedback delay as far as the individuals are concerned.
• Debugging and Monitoring:  A distributed serverless application can be more complex to debug and monitor than a monolithic application.
• Statelessness: Preserving state across the function’s executions is quite complex and additional effort should be taken when designing an application.

In spite of these disadvantages, FaaS is widely used when building hi-tech, scalable, and cost-effective applications, particularly in event-driven and client-centered frameworks.