20 Serverless Interview Questions and Answers

Serverless is a cloud-computing execution model in which the cloud provider runs the server, and the customer pays only for the resources used during specific periods of time. Serverless computing is a newer concept and is not yet widely adopted, but it is growing in popularity due to its potential benefits. Because serverless is still a relatively new technology, you may encounter questions about it during a job interview. In this article, we will review some common serverless interview questions and how you should answer them.

Serverless Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Serverless interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is Serverless?

Serverless is a cloud-computing execution model in which the cloud provider runs the server, and the customer pays only for the resources used during specific function executions. Serverless can simplify the process of building and deploying applications, as well as offer benefits in terms of cost and scalability.

2. Can you explain the different components of a Serverless architecture?

A Serverless architecture is composed of a few different components, the first being the frontend. The frontend is responsible for handling all of the user interactions, such as taking input, displaying output, and so on. The backend is responsible for all of the heavy lifting, such as processing data, storing data, and so on. Finally, there is the serverless platform itself, which is responsible for managing all of the resources and scaling as needed.

3. How does server provisioning work in a Serverless environment?

In a Serverless environment, the server is provisioned automatically and dynamically by the provider, typically in response to events or incoming requests. This means that there is no need to manually provision and configure servers, which can save time and money.

4. What are some common use cases for Serverless applications that you know of?

Serverless applications are often used for tasks that are triggered by events, such as file uploads, user sign-ups, or database changes. They can also be used for running periodic jobs, such as sending out nightly emails or generating reports. Serverless applications are also a good choice for building microservices, since they can be deployed and scaled independently.

5. What do you understand about stateful vs stateless services in Serverless computing?

In Serverless computing, stateful vs stateless services refers to whether or not a given service maintains any sort of state information. A stateless service is one that does not maintain any state information, while a stateful service does maintain state information. The main difference between the two is that stateful services can be more complex to manage, as they need to keep track of state information. However, stateful services can also provide a more consistent experience for users, as they can remember information from one session to the next.

6. What is cold start and how can it be avoided?

Cold start is when a serverless function is invoked for the first time after being idle for some time. This can cause a delay in execution as the function “warms up”. There are a few ways to avoid cold start, such as keeping the function warm by invoking it periodically, or using a “pre-warmed” container.

7. Are there any limitations to using Serverless that you’re aware of?

Serverless is a great way to run code without having to worry about provisioning or managing servers, but there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of. First, because your code is running in a shared environment, you may be subject to the whims of other users on the platform, which could lead to unexpected outages or performance issues. Second, you’ll need to be careful about how you manage your code and dependencies, as there is no guarantee that your code will always be compatible with the platform.

8. What is your experience with Serverless databases like Amazon Aurora, MongoDB Atlas, or AWS DynamoDB?

I have experience with all three of those databases. I prefer MongoDB Atlas because it is more user-friendly, but I have also used Amazon Aurora and AWS DynamoDB in the past.

9. Is it possible to replace traditional web-based apps with Serverless applications? If yes, then why would someone want to do this?

Yes, it is possible to replace traditional web-based apps with Serverless applications. The main reason why someone would want to do this is because Serverless applications are much more scalable and cost-effective than traditional web-based apps. With a Serverless app, you only pay for the resources that you use, and you can easily scale up or down as needed without having to provision and manage any servers.

10. What are some examples of real-world products that run on Serverless platforms?

Some examples of real-world products that run on Serverless platforms are:

-Twitter
-Netflix
-Amazon Web Services
-Google Cloud Platform

11. What’s the difference between Lambda and ECS in the context of AWS?

Lambda is a serverless platform that allows you to run code without having to provision or manage any servers, while ECS is a container management platform that allows you to run and manage containers on AWS.

12. Do you think there’s an industry where Serverless architectures aren’t suitable? If so, then why?

I think that there are definitely industries where Serverless architectures wouldn’t be the best fit. For example, if you are working with sensitive data that needs to be highly secure, then a Serverless architecture might not be the best option since you wouldn’t have as much control over the security of the data. Additionally, if you need to be able to guarantee certain levels of performance or uptime, then a Serverless architecture might not be able to provide that since you are relying on third-party services.

13. What are some best practices to follow when creating a Serverless application?

Some best practices to follow when creating a Serverless application include:

– Keep your functions small and focused
– Avoid using shared resources
– Use a messaging system to communicate between functions
– Use a distributed tracing system to debug your application
– Handle errors gracefully

14. What do you understand by cloud service providers? Which ones have you worked with?

Cloud service providers are companies that offer cloud computing services, typically on a pay-as-you-go basis. Some of the most popular cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). I have personally worked with AWS and Azure.

15. What do you understand by event-driven functions? Have you ever written one before?

Event-driven functions are those that are triggered by events, such as a user clicking a button or an HTTP request being made. I have written event-driven functions before, but not specifically in a serverless environment.

16. What is a function as a service (FaaS)? Why is it important in Serverless environments?

A function as a service is a type of cloud computing service that allows users to run code without having to provision or manage any underlying infrastructure. This is important in Serverless environments because it allows for a more efficient use of resources and can help to reduce costs.

17. What is elastic scaling? When will it occur?

Elastic scaling is a feature of serverless computing that allows the system to automatically scale up or down in response to changes in demand. This can happen in real time, or it can be scheduled in advance. Elastic scaling can help to save money on resources, as well as improve performance and availability.

18. What is “cold start” time? How can it be reduced?

“Cold start” time is the amount of time it takes for a serverless function to start running after it has been idle for a while. This can be a problem for serverless applications because it can cause delays in processing requests. There are a few ways to reduce cold start time, including using a “warm” container to keep the function running all the time, or using a “pre-warmed” container that is started up before it is needed.

19. What are the differences between microservices and FaaS in terms of their operational behavior?

FaaS is a type of microservice. The main difference is that FaaS is stateless, meaning that it does not maintain any data or state between invocations. This makes FaaS very easy to scale, since each invocation is completely independent from the others. Microservices can be stateless or stateful, depending on their design.

20. What are the advantages of using Serverless over other architectures?

Serverless has a number of advantages over other architectures, chief among them being its scalability and its cost-effectiveness. With Serverless, you only pay for the resources you use, which can save a lot of money compared to other architectures. Additionally, Serverless is highly scalable, meaning that it can easily handle large amounts of traffic without any issue.