## What is a Server? - Servers provide the computing power behind applications, websites databases and much more. - A server processes client requests and delivers services across a network. --- ## Key Characteristics - **Processing Power**: Equipped with CPU, memory, and storage to execute tasks. - **Networking**: Enables communication with clients and other services. - **Service-Oriented**: Provides applications, databases, file storage, etc to users. --- ## Types of Servers - While traditionally physical, servers now include virtual machines, containers, and serverless functions. --- ## Physical Servers (Bare-Metal) - Dedicated hardware running applications and storing data. - Provides full control and performance but requires more management. - Examples: AWS Bare Metal Instances, Azure BareMetal Servers. --- ## Virtual Machines (VMs) - Software-based emulation running on a physical host. - Allows multiple isolated environments on shared hardware, increasing efficiency. - Examples: AWS EC2 Instances, Azure VMs, Google Cloud Compute Engine. --- ## Containers (Docker) - Lightweight, portable environments for running applications. - Share the host’s OS but keep processes isolated for efficiency. - Ideal for microservices architectures. - Examples: AWS ECS Tasks, Azure Container Instances, GKE Pods. --- ## Serverless Functions - Abstract the need for infrastructure management. - Code is event-triggered and managed by cloud providers. - Suitable for scalable tasks with minimal overhead. - Examples: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, Google Cloud Functions. --- ## Choosing the Right Type - **Physical Servers**: Offer maximum control, suitable for specialized needs. - **Virtual Machines**: Provide flexibility and isolation without the physical hardware overhead. - **Containers**: Efficient, scalable, ideal for modern, distributed applications. - **Serverless**: Eliminates infrastructure concerns, focusing on code and rapid scaling. --- ## Factors to Consider - **Performance**: High-demand tasks favor physical servers or VMs. - **Scalability**: Containers and serverless functions excel in handling varying workloads. - **Cost**: Serverless options offer pay-as-you-go models; VMs provide predictable pricing. - **Control**: Physical servers and VMs offer more environmental control, critical for specific applications.