Learn NETLIFY-FUNCTIONS with Real Code Examples

Netlify Functions lets developers write backend logic as serverless functions using JavaScript, TypeScript, or Go.

Functions are deployed automatically with your site and scale automatically based on demand.

Supports HTTP requests and background tasks via serverless functions.

Integrates tightly with Netlify's CI/CD workflow and static site hosting.

Commonly used in JAMstack apps for form handling, API endpoints, and server-side operations.

Serverless functions as Lambda wrappers

Built-in environment variable support

Automatic routing via `/functions/*` paths

Local development via `netlify dev`

Scheduled or asynchronous function execution

Function - serverless endpoint executed on demand

Environment Variables - secrets and configs for functions

Netlify CLI - tool for local development and deployment

Routing - functions accessible under `/functions/<name>`

Local Dev Server - run site + functions locally with `netlify dev`

netlify/functions/ - function code

netlify.toml - project and build configuration

package.json - dependencies and scripts

public/ - static site assets

src/ - front-end application code

Create a function in `netlify/functions/<name>.js`

Write function handler logic

Test locally with `netlify dev`

Deploy site and functions via `netlify deploy`

Invoke function via HTTP or triggered event

Beginner: simple HTTP endpoint for static site

Intermediate: API endpoint calling external services

Advanced: form processing with validation

Expert: JAMstack app with multiple serverless functions

Architect: integrate serverless functions with third-party APIs and background jobs

Netlify Functions vs AWS Lambda: simpler, integrated with Netlify vs fully-featured Lambda

Netlify Functions vs OpenFaaS: hosted serverless vs self-managed container serverless

Netlify Functions vs Vercel Functions: similar JAMstack-focused serverless

Netlify Functions vs Firebase Cloud Functions: JavaScript focus vs Firebase ecosystem

Netlify Functions vs Serverless Framework: CLI abstraction vs platform-native functions

2018 – Initial release of Netlify Functions

2019–2020 – Added local development with Netlify Dev

2021–2022 – Expanded documentation and tutorials

2023 – Improved TypeScript support and CI/CD integration

2024–2025 – Enhanced security, monitoring, and platform stability

Function - serverless endpoint

Netlify CLI - tool for development and deployment

Handler - function entry point

Environment Variable - runtime config or secret

JAMstack - JavaScript, APIs, Markup architecture