Explore key differences and use cases between serverless computing and containerization with Kubernetes. This quiz covers fundamental concepts, scalability, deployment, management, cost efficiency, and common scenarios to help clarify these cloud-native technologies.
Which statement best describes how serverless architecture typically handles application scaling compared to containerization tools like Kubernetes?
Explanation: Serverless platforms automatically handle scaling workloads in response to incoming requests, reducing the need for manual intervention. In contrast, containerization solutions like Kubernetes can automate scaling, but they often require explicit setup or configuration. The second option is incorrect because serverless is known for its auto-scaling, not for manual scaling. The third and fourth options are inaccurate as neither approach requires dedicated virtual machines for every instance, and containerization does support various forms of scaling.
If you want to pay only for the exact compute resources your code consumes during execution, which model is most suitable?
Explanation: Serverless computing uses a pay-per-use model, meaning you are billed only for the resources used during code execution. The other options, such as 'stateless,' describe an application state but not a billing model. 'Stateful' is similarly about data handling, not payment. 'Containerzation' (a misspelling) may use a different billing approach, usually based on provisioned resources rather than usage.
You need to package an application along with its dependencies for easy migration across different environments. Which technology fits this requirement best?
Explanation: Containerization allows you to package code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies into a single, portable unit that runs consistently across environments. Serverless typically requires you to follow a provider’s execution model, not full application packaging. 'Serveredless' is a misspelling and not a real concept, and 'Dedication' does not relate to deployment models.
When using serverless architecture, who primarily manages the server infrastructure that runs your code?
Explanation: In serverless computing, the cloud provider is responsible for managing, scaling, and maintaining servers. Developers focus on writing and deploying code instead of server management. The application developer (second option) handles application logic, not infrastructure. The end user consumes the service, and network engineers typically do not manage compute infrastructure in this context.
Which statement is generally correct regarding startup time when comparing serverless functions to containers?
Explanation: Serverless functions are designed for rapid startup, often within milliseconds, while containers generally take longer due to image loading and environment setup. The second option is inaccurate because containers typically have longer startup times than serverless. The third option oversimplifies the differences, and the fourth option exaggerates; serverless rarely requires minutes to start.
For an application that processes large videos taking hours to complete, which technology is usually more suitable?
Explanation: Containerization is generally more suitable for long-running tasks since containers can run continuously without imposed timeouts. Serverless is typically designed for short-lived functions and may have execution time limits. 'Servereless' is a misspelling, and 'Functionless' does not represent any real deployment technology.
Which approach requires external storage for maintaining state because it is inherently stateless?
Explanation: Serverless functions are typically stateless, requiring external storage solutions if persistent state is needed between invocations. Containerization can support both stateless and stateful applications, so 'Containarization' (a typo) is incorrect. 'Stateful architecture' is the opposite of stateless and 'Physical servers' refers to infrastructure rather than application state design.
Which scenario is best addressed by serverless architecture rather than containerization?
Explanation: Serverless is well-suited for unpredictable, event-driven tasks due to automatic scaling and pay-per-use billing. Resource-intensive or OS-specific applications are better matched with containerization. Monolithic legacy systems and persistent servers, like game servers, often require continuous runtime, which is not ideal for serverless architectures.
Which technology commonly requires more manual setup and configuration for networking, scaling, and resource allocation?
Explanation: Containerization platforms often require more manual configuration for networking, scaling, and allocating resources compared to serverless, which abstracts most of these tasks. 'Serverlite' and 'Functionization' are not real deployment models. Serverless intentionally minimizes configuration for the user, making it simpler in most cases.
What is a common disadvantage of serverless architecture, particularly noticeable during periods of no traffic?
Explanation: Cold start latency refers to the delay in launching a serverless function after a period of inactivity, which can cause slower response for the first request. Memory leaks and high CPU usage at idle are not inherent issues of serverless. Permanent running cost is more relevant to provisioned or continuously running resources, not serverless pay-per-use models.