What characterizes serverless architecture?

Serverless architecture is characterized by the dynamic management of server provisioning and maintenance. In a serverless model, the cloud provider automatically handles the infrastructure, including server maintenance, scaling, and resource allocation. This means that developers can focus on writing code and building applications without needing to manage underlying servers or infrastructure.

This approach allows for enhanced flexibility and efficiency, as resources are allocated on an as-needed basis, enabling applications to scale seamlessly based on demand. It also reduces operational burdens for developers, allowing them to concentrate on delivering value through their applications instead of dealing with infrastructure concerns.

The other options describe characteristics that are not aligned with serverless architecture. For instance, having full control over server hardware is more typical in traditional architectures where organizations maintain their own servers. Meanwhile, requiring fixed server instances contradicts the underlying principle of serverless computing, where instances are ephemeral and managed dynamically by the cloud provider. Lastly, a focus on on-premises solutions runs counter to the core of serverless architecture, which emphasizes leveraging cloud services rather than maintaining local resources.