Definition
Platform as a Service PaaS is a cloud computing model that provides a framework for developers to build and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. It offers a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, including operating systems, middleware, and development tools. PaaS abstracts away the complexities of hardware and software maintenance, allowing teams to focus on coding and innovation. This model accelerates the application lifecycle, enabling faster delivery of software solutions. For instance, Heroku is a popular PaaS offering that simplifies application deployment and scaling. Unlike IaaS which provides raw computing resources, PaaS offers a more managed environment, and distinct from SaaS which delivers finished applications. You will encounter PaaS concepts on exams like AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA Cloud+.