Serverless Backends: Top 10 options for mobile development
By: George Batschinski
Tags: Serverless, App, Backend, Development, Mobile

The high demand for app developments makes serverless backend platforms a valuable option for developers. It’s no surprise because serverless platforms require little or no maintenance, allowing developers to focus more on creating apps.

Using serverless architecture has helped many developers work faster and more efficiently. It can add value to your development projects too. The paragraphs below shed more light on this type of backend and present 10 of the world’s leading serverless platforms today.

Here is a summary of this article:

Types of Serverless Platforms

Serverless Overview

Serverless Benefits

Top 10 serverless options for mobile development

Want to know more? Please keep reading…

Classification of Serverless Platforms

The categories of serverless platforms are as follows:

BaaS — Backend as a Service

Backend as a service, also known as (BaaS) is a cloud service that provides resources for connecting an app to the cloud service. This platform depends on Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to connect apps to the cloud. BaaS, which is often called Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), is relatively newer than other cloud services.

FaaS — Function as a Service

Function as a service is the latest cloud service model today. It offers users the resources they need to develop, host, and manage apps. In essence, users can use the platform to create apps without the complicated tasks of managing server infrastructure. It presents an ideal serverless development structure, which is commonly used for developing microservices.

What is Serverless Backend Architecture?

Serverless architecture describes a setup where the developer can create and host apps without server management. While the serverless architecture still uses servers, they are not directly used for app development. Therefore, the developer does not bother with server provisioning, maintenance, or scaling of server infrastructure. Developers simply make use of containers for app deployment.

Serverless backend scales automatically as the app’s demands for server resources fluctuate all through the day. These types of backends use an event-based execution model to manage server resources on-demand. That is why developers are only charged for the duration that the serverless function is used.

Serverless architecture differs from other cloud computing models because cloud service providers must manage infrastructure and app scaling. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) users makes advance payments for capacity units that consist of the components required to run an app. The user is responsible for scaling the units as the need arises. The downside is that the users of IaaS must maintain an active infrastructure, whether the server resources are in use or not.

On the other hand, containers host serverless apps that launch automatically, on-demand when the cloud code directs the server to allocate resources dynamically. The user is only charged for the duration the container runs. This architecture negates the need to perform tedious management tasks.

The Benefits of Serverless Architecture

The benefits of serverless architecture are as follows:

Expedites Time to Market : Since operations management is not required, the developer can create app releases and updates faster. Also, the developer can receive feedbacks quicker and implement changes more quickly.

: Since operations management is not required, the developer can create app releases and updates faster. Also, the developer can receive feedbacks quicker and implement changes more quickly. Reduced Costs : Since the serverless architecture uses the pay as you go model, they are not charged for overprovisioning. Also, resource usage is highly optimized.

: Since the serverless architecture uses the pay as you go model, they are not charged for overprovisioning. Also, resource usage is highly optimized. Highly Stable : The technology that backs serverless architecture allows it to scale automatically. So, the platform takes care of resource demands without delay.

: The technology that backs serverless architecture allows it to scale automatically. So, the platform takes care of resource demands without delay. Builds apps quickly: The in-built integrators of the serverless apps allow users to create an app rather than constantly modifying it.

The Best 10 Serverless Backend Options for Mobile Developers

The leading serverless backends for mobile development are as follows:

Back4app

Back4app is a backend as a service platform based on open-source technologies. It is easy to use and handles app scaling seamlessly. Back4app allows developers to create, host, and manage web, mobile and IoT apps without server management hassles.

AWS Lambda

This is a serverless cloud platform from Amazon AWS. It offers a backend service that runs codes in response to events and manages server resource allocation automatically. Lambda is an excellent choice for creating small-scale apps and ones that responds to user inputs and events.

Firebase

Firebase is one of the most famous BaaS platforms that offers several APIs and useful backend functions. It has a NoSQL database that uses JSON protocol to store data. Firebase is easy to use; that is why it is widely accepted among developers and businesses. The platform offers several tools to customize the backend and requires a minimal need for API creation and server management.

Backendless

Many developers around the world prefer the Backendless development platform because it enhances app development assignments. It’s a Mobile Backend as a Service platform that provides valuable tools that expedite development tasks such as user-defined APIs. Backendless users can choose between dedicated and managed server options.

Kinvey

Kinvey is a serverless app backend for creating modern apps. It offers users frontend SDKs and a cloud backend for app development. Besides the management -free backend, Kinvey users have access to pre-built app component that enhances their productivity by focusing on app building assignments. This platform offers improved storage, enhanced security, data integration, and other leading-edge app development features.

Google Cloud Functions

Google Cloud Functions offers a serverless environment for creating and integrating cloud services. It provides tools for creating functions that connect to cloud services and other service-related events. The function activates whenever a connected event triggers it. Google Cloud Functions does not require server management or infrastructure provisioning.

Cloudflare Workers

This is a platform that developers use for deploying functions through a serverless environment. It is valuable for creating and deploying modular cloud functions. Cloud Worker presents a CLI tool called Wrangler for managing projects. It allows the developer to generate project elements, such as templates, configs, builds, and much more.

Netlify

Netlify offers a wide array of automation and web hosting services. Users can create static websites and hosting on the fly using drag and drop components from the platform. It also supports imports from the Git repository. Users can also reference Git hosting branches without hassles.

Azure Functions

This is an event-driven serverless computing platform that offers functions for running event-triggered codes. Azure functions do not require backend management or infrastructure provisioning. Developers love Azure Functions because it is reusable and highly reliable.

Kuzzle

Kuzzle presents the developer with a scalable server, admin console, APIs, plugins, geofencing, and other valuable features for app development. It uses open-source technology to develop apps for the web, mobile, and IoT.

A Final Note

Serverless backend platforms offer valuable resources for modern developers that enhance app development and deployment projects’ outcomes. This article gives a brief insight into the top serverless platforms in the world today. You can consult a software consultant for more understanding of serverless platforms.