How to write Serverless Python functions
Blog post from New Relic
Serverless computing, particularly with Python, has gained momentum with the rise of platforms like AWS Lambda, which offer benefits such as cost efficiency, automatic scaling, and reduced server management overhead. The Serverless Framework, despite being written in Node.js, provides an accessible entry point for Python developers to build serverless applications by abstracting infrastructure concerns. The blog post guides through setting up and deploying a simple "hello world" function using the Serverless Framework, highlights the importance of using Python 3.x for new projects, and discusses the nuances of choosing between web APIs and worker functions. It also explains how to handle dependencies and deployment issues, particularly when dealing with libraries like 'requests', by leveraging plugins like 'serverless-python-requirements'. Furthermore, it explores the practical applications of serverless functions, such as creating scheduled tasks and web APIs, while emphasizing the importance of event-driven architecture and the potential for integration with other cloud services.