Faasta is a self-hosted serverless platform written in Rust that allows you to run WebAssembly (WASM) functions compiled with the wasi-http ABI. It aims to provide a lightweight and efficient way to deploy serverless functions locally or on your own infrastructure. Faasta manages the lifecycle of these WASM modules, handling scaling and routing requests. It offers a simple CLI for managing functions and integrates with tools like HashiCorp Nomad for orchestration. Essentially, Faasta lets you run WASM as serverless functions similarly to cloud providers, but within your own controlled environment.
This Hacker News post introduces Faasta, a self-hosted, open-source serverless platform specifically designed for WebAssembly (Wasm) modules compiled with the wasi-http interface. Written in Rust, Faasta aims to provide a lightweight and efficient runtime environment for executing Wasm functions as serverless functions. The platform leverages the capabilities of Wasm's sandboxed execution environment to offer enhanced security and portability, allowing developers to deploy their functions across different operating systems and architectures without modification.
Faasta emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. Developers write their functions in languages that compile to Wasm and support the wasi-http standard. These functions can then be easily deployed to a Faasta instance. The platform handles the complexities of managing the Wasm runtime, including instantiation, execution, and resource allocation. Faasta also likely manages the HTTP request routing to the appropriate Wasm functions based on configured routes.
The project leverages Rust's performance characteristics and memory safety to create a robust and efficient execution environment for serverless functions. The post highlights Faasta as a potential solution for developers looking to build and deploy serverless applications without relying on cloud providers or complex container orchestration systems. The self-hosted nature of Faasta grants users full control over their infrastructure and data, which can be particularly appealing for sensitive applications or those requiring specific compliance requirements. While the post does not delve into specifics, it suggests a streamlined workflow for deploying Wasm functions, likely involving minimal configuration and potentially automated scaling based on demand. The underlying Wasm technology enables rapid cold starts and low overhead, contributing to efficient resource utilization and cost savings. The use of the wasi-http interface further simplifies development by providing a standardized way for Wasm functions to interact with HTTP requests and responses.
Summary of Comments ( 20 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43789010
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in Faasta, praising its use of Rust and WASM/WASI for serverless functions. Several commenters appreciated its self-hosted nature and the potential cost savings compared to cloud providers. Some questioned the performance characteristics and cold start times, particularly in comparison to existing serverless offerings. Others pointed out the relative complexity compared to simpler container-based solutions, and the need for more robust observability features. A few commenters offered suggestions for improvements, including integrating with existing service meshes and providing examples for different use cases. The overall sentiment was positive, with many eager to see how the project evolves.
The Hacker News post discussing Faasta, a self-hosted serverless platform for WASM-wasi-HTTP in Rust, generated a moderate amount of discussion with a mix of praise, curiosity, and constructive criticism.
Several commenters expressed excitement about the project, praising its use of Rust and WASM, and seeing it as a promising approach to serverless computing. They appreciated the potential for improved performance and security compared to traditional serverless platforms, particularly highlighting the isolation provided by WASM. The self-hosting aspect was also seen as a significant advantage, offering greater control and flexibility.
Some commenters focused on the developer experience. They inquired about the ease of use and the learning curve associated with deploying and managing functions on Faasta. There were questions about specific features, like cold starts and scaling capabilities. One commenter specifically asked about the process of adding new WASM modules, expressing a desire for a straightforward and intuitive deployment mechanism.
A recurring theme in the comments was a comparison to other similar projects and technologies. Commenters mentioned existing serverless platforms and WASM runtimes, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Some suggested alternative approaches or technologies that could be integrated into Faasta, such as using different WASM runtimes or exploring different networking models.
A few commenters raised technical points, including discussions around security considerations and the performance implications of using WASM. One commenter specifically questioned the overhead associated with WASM, particularly in the context of I/O operations.
Finally, some commenters expressed interest in contributing to the project or using it for their own applications. They requested more information about the project's roadmap and future development plans. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception for Faasta, with a keen interest in its potential and a desire for more information about its practical application.