How can serverless computing be combined with NoSQL databases

The fusion of serverless computing and NoSQL databases paves the way for creating highly flexible, scalable, and practical applications. This design allows serverless services to communicate seamlessly with NoSQL databases, facilitating adequate data flow. Combining these two elements results in a dynamic architecture that can quickly scale up to meet increasing demands while, at the same time, lowering management expenses. It’s a robust and affordable solution for developing applications that can quickly adjust to changing requirements and provide reliable performance.

Example: AWS Lambda and DynamoDB

Consider creating a real-time chat application using AWS Lambda (serverless computing) and DynamoDB (a NoSQL database). When a user sends a message, an AWS Lambda function writes the message to a DynamoDB table. Another Lambda function retrieves the messages from the DynamoDB table and sends them back to the user. DynamoDB Streams might give in-the-moment updates when adding a new message by invoking another Lambda function. All connected clients can get a new message right away using this function. Here’s the simple architecture diagram of the above scenario:

Benefits of NoSQL databases and serverless computing

NoSQL databases and serverless computing have the following benefits when combined:

• Scalability: Both are designed to grow fast, with NoSQL databases handling massive volumes of data and heavy traffic loads and serverless computing allowing for autonomous resource allocation.

• Event-driven processing: Serverless designs commonly employ event-driven architectures, which react to various events, including HTTP requests and database operations. NoSQL databases can trigger these events.

• Microservices architecture: In microservices architectures, where an application is separated into tiny, independent services, serverless computing is widely used. Since each service might have its own NoSQL database, data can be separated, and conflicts are less likely to arise.

• Cost-effectiveness: With serverless computing, we pay for the time we spend computing. Additionally, several NoSQL databases include pay-per-use pricing structures.

• Real-time processing: Some NoSQL databases are built to handle data in real time, which might be helpful in serverless applications.

• Flexibility: NoSQL databases don’t require a defined structure like relational databases since they are schema-free. In serverless apps, this boosts their flexibility and usability.