FaaS (Functions as a Service) and containers both facilitate the creation and deployment of applications, but they are different in how they operate.
1. Functionality:
FaaS is primarily designed to execute small and separate pieces of code or functions, whereas containers are designed to package and deploy an entire application. Containers allow developers to package an application along with its dependencies, libraries and runtime environment, enabling the seamless transfer of the application from one hosting platform to another.
1. Cost structure:
FaaS platforms charge only for the actual execution time of the function or code which can give significant cost savings if the functions are infrequently used. Containers, on the other hand, have a fixed cost to run independently of usage.
1. Scalability:
FaaS services are highly scalable, as each function is deployed independently and can be scaled up or down independently of other functions. Containers, on the other hand, are not as scalable since the entire container has to be scaled to accommodate new requests for the application.
1. Architecture:
FaaS does not require the same kind of architecture as that of containers but instead is built around the idea of serverless computing architecture. Containers, on the other hand, use a microservices architecture approach towards deployment and management of applications over a distributed environment.
1. Deployment:
FaaS services usually operate on PaaS platforms that automatically install and configure dependencies, so that developers only need to upload their code to the platform. With containers, developers are responsible for configuring the software environment, such as installing the programming language and database, before deploying the application.
Overall, while FaaS and containers share some similarities, they are distinct in their overall approach to deployment and management of applications.
