Guide to Function as a Service (FaaS)

Function as a Service (FaaS) is an integral part of the domain of Virtualization and Cloud Computing under the CompTIA Network+ certification.

What is FaaS?
Function as a Service or FaaS is a type of cloud service model where services are executed in response to specific events. In this model, complex applications are broken down into small, single-purpose functions. These functions are short-lived and only exist at the time of execution.

Why is FaaS important?
FaaS empowers developers to execute portions of application code in response to events. The key benefits include improved scalability, lower operational cost as you only pay for the compute time consumed, and faster time to market. Moreover, it allows developers to focus on writing the code while the cloud provider manages infrastructure-related aspects.

How does FaaS work?
In FaaS, when a specific event or trigger is fired, the cloud provider runs the function. These triggers could be anything from a file upload, a user login, a database update, to a specific HTTP request. Once the function is executed, the resources are automatically deallocated.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Function as a Service (FaaS)
In the exam, you may come across questions related to FaaS. Here are some tips:
1. Understand the difference between FaaS and other cloud service models like IaaS, PaaS etc. Remember that FaaS is all about event-driven, short-lived functions.
2. Focus on its benefits like operational cost efficiency, scalability, and time to market.
3. Remember that FaaS abstracts infrastructure management, allowing the developer to focus on writing code.
4. Be prepared to answer questions where you might have to sketch a high-level architecture of a FaaS model or discuss a use case scenario involving FaaS.
5. Practice related questions, as practical understanding can help better comprehend theoretical concepts.