Serverless architecture differs significantly from traditional server architecture in several aspects:
Cost model:
- Traditional architecture: Fixed costs, requires provisioning server resources, paid regardless of usage
- Serverless: Pay-as-you-go, pay only for executed code, no charges when idle
Operational complexity:
- Traditional architecture: Need to manage servers, operating systems, patch updates, load balancing, etc.
- Serverless: Zero operations, cloud providers handle infrastructure management
Scalability:
- Traditional architecture: Manual or auto-scaling required, scaling speed limited by server configuration
- Serverless: Automatic unlimited scaling, no need for capacity planning
Performance:
- Traditional architecture: Stable performance, no cold start latency
- Serverless: Cold start latency exists, but strong auto-scaling capability
Development experience:
- Traditional architecture: Need to configure environment, complex deployment process
- Serverless: Fast deployment, focus on business logic
Applicable scenarios:
- Traditional architecture: Long-running applications, scenarios requiring stable latency, applications with strict performance requirements
- Serverless: Event-driven applications, API services, data processing, microservices
Candidates should be able to reasonably choose architecture types based on business needs and explain the rationale for their choice.