Google Cloud Digital LeaderDigital transformation with Google CloudMedium
A startup is developing a new social media platform that anticipates rapid, unpredictable user growth and requires a backend service capable of scaling from zero to thousands of requests per second instantly, without managing any underlying infrastructure. The service needs to execute custom code in response to HTTP requests and be cost-effective by only paying for actual usage. Which Google Cloud service is the most appropriate choice?
- ACloud Run
- BGoogle Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
- CCompute Engine
- DApp Engine Flexible
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Cloud Run
Cloud Run is a fully managed serverless platform that allows running stateless containers via HTTP requests. It scales automatically from zero to meet demand, and users only pay for the exact resources consumed, directly addressing the requirements for rapid, unpredictable scaling, no infrastructure management, and cost-effectiveness.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. GKE is a managed Kubernetes service for container orchestration, but it still involves managing Kubernetes clusters and nodes, which is more complex than 'no infrastructure management'.
- C. Compute Engine requires managing virtual machines and infrastructure, which contradicts the 'no infrastructure management' requirement.
- D. App Engine Flexible is a PaaS that offers more infrastructure control than Cloud Run but still involves some underlying VM management and might not scale from zero as cost-effectively for sporadic usage.
Cloud Run
A fully managed serverless platform for stateless containers invoked via HTTP requests.
- Scales automatically from zero to thousands of instances.
- Pay-per-use billing (only for actual requests and CPU time).
- No server management required.
Memory trick: Cloud Run runs code, then runs to zero, saving dough.