Server vs. Serverless Computing: Benefits and Downsides
Tags: webdev, beginners, serverless, cloud
Published: 2023-04-19 05:33:24



![list of cloud services that offers serverless computing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m56fbdv5snb221y8r27j.png)

## 👋 Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, companies of all sizes are searching for ways to optimize their web application's performance and reduce costs. Two of the most popular computing models are server and serverless computing. Both server and serverless computing have benefits and downsides that should be carefully considered before selecting the appropriate option.

In this article, we will provide an overview of server and serverless computing and discuss their benefits and downsides. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about server and serverless computing.

![diagram explaining server computing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cuayqaympqm4po2vkm68.png)

## 🖥️ What is Server Computing? 

In server computing, a server or a group of servers is responsible for managing the application's requests and resources. The servers are responsible for running the application's code, storing data, and handling security. 

In short, it's the business owners that handles the server of their application. From maintenance up to to running the server in their own built servers.

![diagram explaining serverless computing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/g7gw0pvv8l9j1yzh0tqp.png)

## 👨‍💻 What is Serverless Computing?

> Despite the name "Serverless", it does not mean it does not have a server

Serverless computing is a cloud-based model where a third-party provider manages the application's resources. In serverless computing, the provider handles the servers, operating systems, and infrastructure.

This means that you don't need to run and host your own server in your own built computer. This means that you can continually scale your application without minding about the maintenance and security of it. 

## 🤔 What are the Benefits and Downsides of Server and Serverless Computing?

In this section, we will compare the benefits and downsides of both server and serverless computing 

### 💪 Benefits of Server Computing 

1. **Full Control**: Companies have full control over the server's hardware, software, and network settings.
2. **Customization**: Companies can customize the server settings based on their requirements.
3. **Predictable Cost**: Companies can predict the cost of their servers since they are responsible for managing them.
4. **Monitoring**: Companies can monitor their servers and fix any issues in real-time.

### 👎 Downsides of Server Computing

1. **Maintenance**: Companies must maintain their servers, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.
2. **Scalability**: Scalability can be challenging since companies need to add more servers as the application grows.
3. **Upfront Costs**: Companies need to invest upfront in server hardware and software.

### 💪 Benefits of Serverless Computing

1. **Cost-Effectiveness**: Companies only pay for the resources they use, making serverless computing more cost-effective.

2. **Scalability**: Serverless computing is highly scalable, and companies do not need to worry about adding more resources as the application grows.

3. **Fast Deployment**: Deployment times are faster since companies do not need to manage infrastructure.

4. **Automatic Updates**: Third-party providers handle server maintenance and updates.

### 👎 Downsides of Serverless Computing 

1. **Lack of Control**: Companies do not have control over the infrastructure, making it difficult to customize the server settings