AWS Lambda vs Apache OpenWhisk: What are the differences?

Key Differences between AWS Lambda and Apache OpenWhisk

AWS Lambda and Apache OpenWhisk are both serverless computing platforms that allow developers to run code without having to provision or manage servers. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms.

1. Execution Engine: AWS Lambda uses a proprietary execution engine called Firecracker, which provides a lightweight and secure runtime environment for running functions. On the other hand, Apache OpenWhisk uses Docker containers to execute functions, providing a more flexible and customizable runtime environment.

2. Programming Languages: AWS Lambda supports a wide range of programming languages, including Python, Node.js, Java, C#, and more. Apache OpenWhisk also supports multiple languages, but the selection of languages is not as extensive as AWS Lambda.

3. Event Sources: AWS Lambda integrates seamlessly with various event sources such as AWS services, databases, and messaging systems. It provides easy-to-use triggers that can be configured to automatically invoke functions in response to events. Apache OpenWhisk also supports multiple event sources, but the integration may require more manual configuration compared to AWS Lambda.

4. Scaling: AWS Lambda automatically scales the resources allocated to functions based on the incoming workload. It can handle high concurrency and scale up or down as needed. Apache OpenWhisk also provides automatic scaling, but the scaling behavior may differ compared to AWS Lambda, depending on the configuration and deployment settings.

5. Pricing Model: AWS Lambda has a pay-per-use pricing model where you are charged only for the actual number of invocations and the execution time of your functions. It offers a free tier for a certain amount of usage. Apache OpenWhisk, on the other hand, is an open-source platform and can be self-hosted, allowing you to avoid vendor lock-in and potentially reducing the cost.

6. Community and Ecosystem: AWS Lambda has a large and mature community with extensive documentation, resources, and third-party integrations. It is backed by Amazon Web Services, a major cloud provider, and has a robust ecosystem of services that can be easily integrated with Lambda functions. Apache OpenWhisk also has an active community but may have fewer resources and integrations compared to AWS Lambda.

In summary, AWS Lambda and Apache OpenWhisk are both powerful serverless computing platforms with their own strengths and differences. AWS Lambda offers a wider range of programming languages, seamless integration with AWS services, and extensive community support. On the other hand, Apache OpenWhisk provides a more flexible runtime environment, open-source nature, potential cost savings, and avoidance of vendor lock-in. The choice between the two platforms would depend on specific requirements, language preferences, and ecosystem needs.