AWS Lambda has evolved from a basic 'functions as a service' model into a comprehensive serverless platform that allows users to execute code without managing infrastructure. Recent advancements include the integration of persistent storage via Amazon EFS, support for container-based functions, and the inclusion of AWS Graviton2 processors for enhanced performance. The latest feature, AWS Lambda Function URLs, provides direct HTTPS endpoint support for Lambda functions, streamlining the process compared to using Amazon API Gateway. This feature allows developers to invoke functions directly from various HTTP clients, and it leverages the AWS Cloud Control API for rapid feature support. Function URLs simplify monitoring and access control through integrations with AWS CloudTrail and IAM, while also offering options for throttling and Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS). The setup process is straightforward and can be implemented using modern programming languages supported by infrastructure as code solutions like Pulumi, enhancing productivity and reducing deployment complexity.