Apache OpenWhisk vs Fission: What are the differences?

<Apache OpenWhisk vs Fission>

1. **Runtime Support**: Apache OpenWhisk supports multiple programming languages for creating functions, including Node.js, Java, Python, Swift, and PHP. On the other hand, Fission primarily focuses on supporting functions written in Node.js and Python, which may limit the options for developers who prefer other languages.
  
2. **Scaling**: Apache OpenWhisk has built-in auto-scaling capabilities that allow functions to scale based on demand, ensuring optimal performance in varying workloads. Fission requires external tools like Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler for scaling, which adds complexity and potentially increases the learning curve for users.

3. **Workflow Orchestration**: Apache OpenWhisk provides a more robust workflow orchestration feature through its support for creating sequences and triggers, allowing developers to automate complex tasks easily. Fission, while capable of executing functions in response to events, lacks the same level of workflow orchestration capabilities, making it less suitable for intricate automation requirements.

4. **Monitoring and Logging**: Apache OpenWhisk offers comprehensive monitoring and logging tools out of the box, simplifying the process of tracking and analyzing the performance of functions. In contrast, Fission's monitoring and logging capabilities may require integration with external tools or services, leading to additional setup and configuration efforts for users.

5. **Community and Support**: Apache OpenWhisk benefits from a larger community of contributors and users, translating to a more extensive pool of resources, documentation, and community support. Fission, being a relatively newer project, may have a smaller community base, potentially impacting the availability of help and resources for users seeking assistance or guidance.

6. **Deployment Flexibility**: Apache OpenWhisk offers deployment flexibility by supporting on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments, accommodating diverse deployment preferences. While Fission is also deployable across different environments, its focus on Kubernetes-based deployments may require familiarity with Kubernetes for users seeking seamless deployment options outside of this ecosystem.

In Summary, Apache OpenWhisk and Fission differ in terms of runtime support, scaling mechanisms, workflow orchestration capabilities, monitoring and logging features, community support, and deployment flexibility.