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Serverless

Free

Build Serverless Applications on AWS Lambda

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
Serverless, Inc.

About Serverless

Serverless Framework is an open-source tool for building and deploying serverless applications on AWS Lambda. It provides a declarative approach to define AWS Lambda functions and their triggers using YAML, enabling developers to deploy APIs, scheduled tasks, workflows, and event-driven apps with a single command. The framework includes built-in metrics, alerts, and debugging tools for troubleshooting, as well as collaboration features for sharing secrets, outputs, and test events across teams. It supports extensibility through thousands of plugins. The framework is free for individuals and organizations earning under $2M annually, with a paid subscription model for larger enterprises. Serverless, Inc., the company behind the framework, offers enterprise-grade security (SOC 2 Type II certified) and priority support for customers.

Key Features

Define applications as functions and events in simple YAML syntax
Deploy infrastructure and code with a single command
Extend functionality with thousands of plugins
Built-in metrics and alerts for monitoring
Query and inspect every AWS Lambda invocation
Collaborate across teams with shared secrets, outputs, and AWS accounts
Stream logs and results in the Dashboard
SOC 2 Type II certified for enterprise security
Open source and free for individuals and small teams

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Open source with a large community (46,916 GitHub stars)
  • Zero-friction setup via npm install
  • Declarative YAML syntax simplifies configuration
  • Rich plugin ecosystem for custom use cases
  • Built-in observability tools (metrics, alerts, traces)
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance (SOC 2 Type II)
  • Free tier for individuals and small organizations
  • Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and government agencies
Cons
  • Primarily focused on AWS Lambda, limiting support for other cloud providers
  • Paid subscription required for organizations earning over $2M annual revenue
  • Requires familiarity with serverless concepts and AWS services

Best For

Deploying APIs and RESTful services on AWS LambdaBuilding event-driven applications with serverless functionsScheduling cron jobs and background tasksCreating serverless workflows and data pipelinesTroubleshooting and debugging serverless applicationsCollaborating on serverless projects within teams

FAQ

Do I have to pay for a License to use the Serverless Framework CLI?
Starting in 2024, Serverless Framework V.4 CLI is free for most users. Individuals and organizations earning over $2M in their last fiscal year must purchase a Serverless Subscription. There is no requirement to prove eligibility; it operates on an honor system.
How do I get a License for the Serverless Framework CLI?
If your organization earns over $2M annually and you're using V.4, you can obtain a license by purchasing a Serverless Subscription via the Serverless Framework Dashboard, either through credit card or AWS Marketplace.