Google Associate Cloud EngineerDeploying and implementing a cloud solutionMedium
A startup is deploying a new web application that requires a serverless backend for its API endpoints. The application anticipates varying traffic patterns, from low to high, and the developers want to use Python for their backend logic. They need a solution that automatically scales and only charges for actual usage, without managing servers. Which Google Cloud service should they choose?
- ACompute Engine
- BCloud Run
- CGoogle Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
- DApp Engine Standard
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. App Engine Standard
App Engine Standard is a fully managed, serverless platform that supports various runtimes, including Python, offers automatic scaling (including to zero), and a pay-per-use model, making it ideal for web applications with varying traffic without server management.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Compute Engine requires managing VMs, which goes against the 'without managing servers' requirement.
- B. Cloud Run is also serverless and scales, but App Engine Standard is often a more direct fit for web application backends with specific language runtimes, especially with Python. Cloud Run is more for generic containers.
- C. GKE requires managing Kubernetes clusters, which is not 'without managing servers' in a fully abstracted sense.
App Engine Standard
A serverless Platform as a Service (PaaS) that runs applications in a fully managed environment with specific language runtimes.
- Supports automatic scaling, including to zero instances.
- Provides built-in services like load balancing, security, and logging.
- Pay-per-use pricing model, only for resources consumed.
Memory trick: App Engine for code, Cloud Run for containers, Functions for events.