Software Engineering basics - Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing in Software Engineering?

Cloud computing is the practice of deploying, running, and scaling applications using internet-based platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. Instead of relying on physical servers or on-premises infrastructure, developers and organizations can access computing resources—like storage, databases, and processing power—on demand from cloud providers.

Cloud computing is typically categorized into service models:

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtual servers, networking, and storage (e.g., AWS EC2).

• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Offers a ready-made environment for building and deploying applications (e.g., Google App Engine, Azure App Service).

• SaaS (Software as a Service): Delivers complete software applications over the internet (e.g., Gmail, Salesforce).

One of its biggest advantages is scalability. Applications can automatically adjust resources based on demand—for example, an e-commerce site can handle massive traffic spikes during holiday sales without downtime. It also improves cost efficiency, since users only pay for what they use, eliminating the need for expensive hardware investments.

In modern software engineering, cloud computing enables faster development cycles, global accessibility, high availability, and built-in security features. By leveraging cloud platforms, teams can innovate quickly and deliver reliable applications that meet the needs of a growing user base.