3.4 - Introduction to AWS Lambda and Serverless Computing
Enroll to start learning
Youβve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding AWS Lambda
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, weβre diving into AWS Lambda, a key player in serverless computing. What do you think serverless means?
Does it mean we donβt need servers at all?
Great question! Serverless doesnβt mean no servers. It means that developers donβt manage the servers. AWS Lambda handles the infrastructure. Think of it as a remote assistant taking care of your workload.
How do we execute our code in Lambda?
You create something called a Lambda function by uploading your code and specifying when to execute it. Can anyone think of a scenario when we might use this?
Maybe when uploading images to S3?
Exactly! Each time an image is uploaded to S3, it can trigger a Lambda function to resize the image.
To help remember, think of the acronym 'SCALE': Serverless, Cost-efficient, Automatic scaling, Language support, and Event-driven. This summarizes AWS Lambda nicely!
So, remember what we discussed. Lambda allows you to run code without thinking about server management.
Triggers and Events
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now let's talk about what can trigger AWS Lambda. What are some event sources you can think of?
API Gateway requests?
Correct! API Gateway can trigger Lambda functions, allowing you to respond to HTTP requests. What else?
What about changes in DynamoDB?
Yes! Any changes in a DynamoDB table can also kick off a Lambda function. This makes it very dynamic. Can you think of another example?
What about using it for scheduled tasks? Like cron jobs?
Exactly! Scheduled events can automatically trigger your functions at defined intervals. To remember, think of the βC-TAPβ mnemonic: Change events, Triggers from API Gateway, AWS S3 uploads, and Periodic tasks.
This variety of triggers illustrates how versatile Lambda can be in your cloud applications.
Cost Efficiency and Scalability
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Letβs discuss how AWS Lambda can help reduce costs and scale automatically. Why do you think this is beneficial?
Because we only pay for what we use, right?
Exactly! With the pay-per-use model, if your function isn't running, you aren't billed. This is cheaper compared to traditional servers where you're paying continuously. Can you see how this model is effective for fluctuating workloads?
Yes! If we have a spike in requests, Lambda scales up automatically!
Thatβs right! AWS handles the scaling seamlessly. Remember the acronym 'PAUSE' β Pay-as-you-go, Automatic scaling, Utility-based payments, Simplified architecture, and Elasticity. This captures the essence of why Lambda is powerful.
In summary, AWS Lambda transforms how we build applications, allowing them to be more cost-effective and scalable.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section details AWS Lambda's functionality as a serverless computing service, highlighting its benefits such as automatic scaling, pay-per-use billing, and support for multiple programming languages. It discusses various event sources that can trigger Lambda functions, demonstrating how they can simplify application architecture by removing the need for server management.
Detailed
Introduction to AWS Lambda and Serverless Computing
AWS Lambda is a cutting-edge serverless compute service that enables developers to execute code without the complexities of server management. When using Lambda, you simply upload your code as a Lambda function, which AWS executes in response to specific triggers or events. The primary advantages of utilizing AWS Lambda include:
- Automatic Scaling: AWS Lambda can automatically scale to accommodate the size of the incoming requests, ensuring that the code runs efficiently regardless of workload fluctuations.
- Pay-Per-Use Model: Users are only billed for the time their code is executed, measured in milliseconds, significantly reducing costs associated with idle compute resources.
- Language Support: AWS Lambda supports various programming languages, including Python, Node.js, Java, Go, C#, and Ruby, making it versatile for a range of applications.
Events that can trigger a Lambda function include uploads to Amazon S3, changes in a DynamoDB table, HTTP requests through API Gateway, and scheduled events akin to cron jobs. For instance, automatically generating thumbnails when images are uploaded to S3 showcases Lambdaβs ability to simplify processes by handling the server-side execution seamlessly.
In today's cloud-centric development ecosystem, AWS Lambda and serverless computing play essential roles by minimizing administrative overhead and enhancing application performance.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
What is AWS Lambda?
Chapter 1 of 4
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
A serverless compute service that lets you run code without provisioning or managing servers.
You upload your code (called a Lambda function), and Lambda runs it in response to triggers/events.
AWS handles all infrastructure, scaling, patching, and administration.
Detailed Explanation
AWS Lambda is a service that allows you to execute your application code without having to worry about the underlying physical servers. When you write a piece of code, you package it as a 'Lambda function' and upload it. This function can then be executed automatically when certain events occur, like a file being uploaded. AWS manages the servers, so you donβt need to maintain or scale them yourself.
Examples & Analogies
Think of AWS Lambda like a chef in a restaurant who only comes to cook when an order is placed. You donβt need to keep the chef sitting there all day just in case someone wants food; he comes in, cooks the meal, and leaves when the job is done. Similarly, AWS Lambda runs your code when itβs needed, and when itβs not needed, it doesnβt run, thus saving resources.
Key Benefits of AWS Lambda
Chapter 2 of 4
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Automatic scaling: Lambda scales precisely with the size of the workload.
Pay-per-use: Charged only for the compute time your code actually runs, billed in milliseconds.
Supports many languages: Python, Node.js, Java, Go, C#, Ruby.
Detailed Explanation
One of the main advantages of AWS Lambda is automatic scaling. This means if a lot of requests come in, Lambda can quickly allocate more resources to handle them, and when demand drops, it reduces resources automatically. Additionally, you only pay for the time your functions actually run, not for idle time, which is efficient and cost-effective. Lambda also supports various programming languages, giving you the flexibility to use the one you're most comfortable with.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a utility bill that only charges you for the electricity you actually use, rather than a flat fee every month. If you are running a lot of devices (like when you have guests over), your bill might be higher, but during times you arenβt using much electricity, your bill drops. AWS Lambda works similarly, charging you based on actual usage.
Typical Event Sources for Lambda Functions
Chapter 3 of 4
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Upload of files to Amazon S3.
Changes in a DynamoDB table.
HTTP requests via API Gateway.
Scheduled events (like cron jobs).
Detailed Explanation
AWS Lambda is flexible in terms of what can trigger its execution. Some common sources of events include uploading a file to Amazon S3 (like when you save a photo to the cloud), changes occurring in a DynamoDB table (such as adding new records), HTTP requests through API Gateway (when your app calls an API), and reminders that run at specific times (scheduled events). Each of these events can automatically trigger a Lambda function to perform tasks.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a home security system that automatically calls the police whenever a sensor is triggered. Just like the security system reacts to specific events (like the sound of glass shattering), AWS Lambda reacts to events like file uploads and changes, executing your code without requiring you to do anything.
Example Use Case of AWS Lambda
Chapter 4 of 4
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Suppose you want to automatically generate thumbnails for images uploaded to S3:
Upload an image to an S3 bucket.
This triggers a Lambda function.
Lambda processes the image and saves the thumbnail back to S3.
No need to manage servers or scale manuallyβLambda handles everything.
Detailed Explanation
Letβs say youβrecreating a web application where users can upload images. You want to provide thumbnails for faster loading. With AWS Lambda, when a user uploads an image to an S3 bucket, it automatically triggers a Lambda function which processes the image to generate a thumbnail and saves it back to S3. This process is efficient and allows you to focus on your application instead of managing server resources.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a bakery where customers can order cakes. Once an order is placed, the baker jumps into action to create the cake. The baker doesnβt remain on standby; they only work when an order comes in. Similarly, AWS Lambda functions only execute in response to events, allowing developers to focus on building their applications effortlessly.
Key Concepts
-
AWS Lambda: A serverless computing service that lets developers run code without worrying about server management.
-
Serverless Computing: A model in which the cloud provider manages the infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on code.
-
Automatic Scaling: The ability of AWS Lambda to automatically adjust compute resources based on demand.
Examples & Applications
Using AWS Lambda to process and generate thumbnails when a user uploads images to S3.
Implementing a Lambda function that triggers on a DynamoDB table update to send notifications.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Lambda handles the load, server worries in code, events trigger the flow, watch your costs go slow.
Stories
Imagine a chef in a kitchen who only cooks when orders come in, without needing to keep the kitchen open all day. Thatβs AWS Lambda, cooking up functions only when necessary!
Acronyms
Serverless, Cost-effective, Automatic, Language support, Event-driven.
Use 'PAUSE' to remember
Pay as you go
Automatic
Utility-based
Simplified
Elastic.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- AWS Lambda
A serverless compute service by Amazon Web Services that executes code in response to events.
- Serverless Computing
A cloud computing model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the server infrastructure.
- Lambda Function
A piece of code that runs in AWS Lambda in response to triggers.
- Event Trigger
A specific action that can prompt a Lambda function to execute.
- API Gateway
A service that allows you to create APIs that can trigger Lambda functions.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.