Definition
Cloud Functions is a serverless compute service that lets you run code in response to events without provisioning or managing servers. You write small, single purpose functions that execute on demand, triggered by various events like HTTP requests, database changes, or file uploads. This model simplifies application development by abstracting away infrastructure concerns, allowing developers to focus purely on business logic and reducing operational overhead. For instance, a Cloud Function can automatically resize an image whenever a new file is uploaded to cloud storage. Unlike virtual machines or containers which require persistent management, Cloud Functions are ephemeral, spinning up only when needed and shutting down afterward. This technology is frequently tested on cloud-focused certification exams such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate and CCSP.