Building Node.js Serverless Architecture and Its Benefits

Let’s consider a few of the requirements

• Pricing should be a key factor to notice when you are selecting any provider. Although almost all providers have a “free tire” option that you can opt to check the requirements of your application.
• Scalability should be focused on while selecting any provider. Assess the provider's ability to automatically adjust resources to match fluctuating workloads effectively. Investigate whether there are any constraints related to concurrent executions or the allocation of resources.
• Performance of a server should be taken into account while considering a service provider. Take into account the performance attributes of the serverless solution provided by the provider, which encompasses elements like the time it takes to initiate (cold start times), how long executions typically take, and the latency in network communications.
• Language plays a crucial part in the selection process. Ensure that the provider offers support for the programming languages you are proficient in or that your application necessitates.
• Security should be evaluated to understand the functionalities and adherence to compliance standards set by the provider. Confirm that they align with your organization's specific security needs.

Benefits of using a serverless architecture in Node.js

When operating a Node.js server, developers often find themselves tasked with building everything from the ground up, such as managing cryptographic keys and structuring applications into modules. It can become complex when dealing with microservices, where your server might be distributed across various modules and technologies.

A serverless architecture can provide a viable solution, especially when working with microservices. With a serverless architecture, you can easily craft functions on cloud platforms for individual services or modules, assets & resources, and these functions can seamlessly interact with other cloud-based functions.

• By selecting a serverless architecture for Node.js application or any other tech, You will pay only for the time while the function consumes memory and upon running.
• You can use different third-party tools in Node.js applications while using a serverless structure.
• As previously noted, there are numerous providers available for hosting your Node.js serverless application. It's advisable to carefully evaluate each provider and determine which one aligns best with your application's needs, offering optimization, enhanced performance, and cost-efficiency.

Steps to create a basic serverless architecture in Node.js using AWS

• Install the serverless library

npm install -g serverless

• Create a serverless application structure using AWS

serverless create --template aws-nodejs --path my-service

• Create a simple function that will return a string with param pass from function query param

//function will return a simple message 
exports.handler = async (event) => {
  const name = event.queryStringParameters.name || 'World';
  const message = `Hello, ${name}!`;
  return {
    statusCode: 200,
    body: JSON.stringify({
      message: message
    })
  };
};

• Create a file with a .yml extension to deploy your serverless application on AWS with some necessary configuration

service: my-service
provider:
  name: aws
  runtime: nodejs18.x
functions:
  getmessage:
    handler: app.handler
    events:
      - http:
          path: /getmessage
          method: get

• Run the command to deploy your application

serverless deploy

Conclusion

Choosing Node.js serverless applications lies in its capacity to efficiently manage a high volume of simultaneous requests. This capability is made possible by Node.js' event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which allows it to process numerous concurrent connections with minimal resource overhead, ranging from hundreds to even thousands.

Prominent enterprises such as Netflix, Airbnb, Spotify, and Twilio, have adopted serverless architecture to deliver top-notch services to their user base. Serverless architecture has the potential to enhance performance across a wide array of categories like streaming, gaming, IoT devices, web applications, and others.

To unlock the full capabilities of a serverless system, it's essential to begin by comprehensively assessing your existing system and evaluating its compatibility with serverless optimization. While opting for a serverless architecture for your application can present a cost-effective solution, it's crucial to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.