Definition
Function as a Service FaaS is a cloud computing execution model where a cloud provider fully manages the server infrastructure, allowing developers to build and run applications without provisioning or managing servers. Developers write and deploy code in small, discrete functions that are triggered by specific events, such as an HTTP request or a database change. This serverless approach abstracts away the underlying infrastructure, enabling teams to focus solely on application logic and reducing operational overhead. For instance, a FaaS function could process an uploaded image, resizing it and storing the result in cloud storage. Unlike Platform as a Service PaaS which provides a platform for applications, FaaS abstracts even further, focusing on individual functions rather than entire applications. Understanding FaaS is crucial for cloud security and development roles and is frequently assessed on exams like AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate and (ISC)² CCSP.