Building apps without servers is no longer a dream — it’s the new normal. Launching a new application used to mean spending weeks setting up servers, configuring environments, and worrying about scalability. You know the pain if you’ve ever been up at 2 AM restarting a crashed server.

But what if you could skip the server management altogether?

With serverless computing, you can deploy apps without servers—just focus on code, and let the cloud handle everything else.

This guide is for beginners in Nigeria and beyond who want to build their first serverless application with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Are Apps Without Servers?

Understanding the Serverless Model

“Apps without servers” doesn’t mean servers don’t exist—they do, but you don’t manage them. Instead, cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud handle the underlying infrastructure.

This is made possible through Functions-as-a-Service (FaaS), where developers write small functions triggered by events, like uploading a file or submitting a form.

How It Works

You write your app’s logic, deploy it to a serverless platform, and it runs only when needed. You pay only for the time the function runs—milliseconds, not hours.

Why Build Apps Without Servers?

1. No Infrastructure to Maintain

With serverless, the burden of provisioning, updating, and maintaining servers disappears. You focus on solving business problems, not patching VMs.

2. Instant Scalability

Apps built without servers scale automatically. Whether one user or one million log in, your app stays performant, without manual intervention.

3. Pay-as-You-Go

You only pay for execution time. This model is especially attractive for startups and small teams who want to keep costs low.

4. Speed and Innovation

Without infrastructure delays, your development cycles shrink. You can test, launch, and iterate faster—vital in competitive markets like Nigeria’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.

Best Platforms for Serverless App Development

1. AWS Lambda

Perfect for developers building apps without servers who want deep integration with AWS services. Supports many languages and offers wide global support.

2. Microsoft Azure Functions

Great for .NET and Microsoft stack users. Offers powerful event-driven triggers and supports various programming languages.

3. Google Cloud Functions

Ideal for Node.js and Python developers who want tight integration with Google Cloud.

Other Notable Platforms

• Cloudflare Workers
• IBM Cloud Functions
• OpenFaaS and Kubeless (open-source options)

Tip: Most platforms offer free tiers—great for your first app.

Build Your First App Without Servers: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Write a Stateless Function

Use your preferred language. A function sendWelcomeEmail() can log a welcome message or trigger an email service.

2. Choose an Event Trigger

Functions are triggered by events:

• HTTP requests
• File uploads
• Database changes
• Cron jobs

3. Deploy to the Cloud

Upload your function using the provider’s web UI or CLI. Configure memory, timeout, and runtime.

4. Test the Function

Send sample input (like an HTTP POST) to your function. Check logs to verify behaviour.

5. Improve and Expand

Add real email services like SendGrid or AWS SES. Build more event-driven functions as your app grows.

You’ve just built and deployed an app without servers—a major milestone.

Best Practices for Apps Without Servers

• Keep functions focused: One function, one job
• Minimise package size: Reduces cold start time
• Use environment variables: Avoid hardcoding secrets
• Monitor and alert: Set up tracking for errors and cost spikes
• Know when not to use serverless: For long-running tasks, consider hybrid solutions
• Think event-first: Build your architecture around actions and triggers

Take the Next Step

You now understand the power of building apps without servers. From cost savings to faster development, serverless computing offers huge advantages.

Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to the Cloud Technology Hub newsletter or join us on LinkedIn to build robust serverless systems tailored to your needs.

The era of apps without servers is here. The question is: what will you build?