What you need to know to get started with Serverless Databases
Published: 2023-11-04 16:16:33

Serverless databases: what they are, where they are, and examples

Serverless databases are a new way to store data in the cloud. They are fully managed by the cloud provider, which means that developers do not need to worry about infrastructure tasks such as provisioning, scaling, and maintenance.

Basic concepts

Serverless databases are based on the infrastructure as a service (IaaS) model. This means that the cloud provider provides all the infrastructure needed to run the database, including servers, storage, and networking. The developer simply connects to the database and starts using it.

Where are they?

Serverless databases are run in the cloud. They can be located in any region of the world, which makes them ideal for global applications.

Examples

Some examples of serverless databases include:

CosmosDB (Microsoft): a flexible schema NoSQL database that is automatically scaled.
Cloud Firestore (Google): a document-based NoSQL database that is ideal for mobile and web applications.
DynamoDB (AWS): a key-value NoSQL database that is ideal for high-performance applications.
Advantages and disadvantages

Serverless databases offer a number of advantages, including:

Simplicity: Developers do not need to worry about infrastructure tasks, which can save time and money.
Scalability: Serverless databases are automatically scaled, which means that developers do not need to worry about scaling.
Cost savings: Serverless databases are charged based on usage, which can lead to savings compared to traditional databases.
However, serverless databases also have some disadvantages, including:

Performance limitations: Serverless databases may have performance limitations for applications with large volumes of data or transactions.
Reduced control: Developers have less control over database resources than in a traditional database.
Conclusion

Serverless databases are an attractive option for developers who are looking for a simple, scalable, and economical data storage solution. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages before choosing a serverless database.

Assessment of examples

CosmosDB

CosmosDB is a flexible schema NoSQL database that is automatically scaled. It supports multiple data models, including documents, graphs, key-value, and columns. CosmosDB is a good option for applications that need horizontal scalability and data flexibility.

Advantages:

Scalability: CosmosDB is automatically scaled, which means that developers do not need to worry about scaling.
Flexibility: CosmosDB supports multiple data models, which makes it a good option for applications with different data requirements.
Global availability: CosmosDB is available in multiple regions around the world, which makes it a good option for global applications.
Disadvantages:

Cost: CosmosDB can be expensive for applications with large volumes of data.
Complexity: CosmosDB can be complex to use, especially for developers who are not familiar with NoSQL databases.
Cloud Firestore

Cloud Firestore is a document-based NoSQL database that is ideal for mobile and web applications. It is based on the Google Cloud Platform and supports a variety of features, including offline synchronization, enterprise-level security, and integration with other Google Cloud services.

Advantages:

Ease of use: Cloud Firestore is easy to use, even for developers with little database experience.
Integrity: Cloud Firestore supports a variety of security features, including authentication and authorization.
Global availability: Cloud Firestore is available in multiple regions around the world, which makes it a good option for global applications.
Disadvantages:

Performance limitations: Cloud Firestore may have performance limitations for applications with large volumes of data or transactions.
Reduced control: Developers have less control over database resources than in a traditional database.