Which is a known limitation of AWS Lambda?
Options
- It cannot run Python, only Java and Node.js code
- A 15-minute maximum run time and cold-start latency (Correct option)
- It always runs on one fixed server that you must manage
- It cannot be triggered by HTTP requests, only by timers
Answer
Maximum execution time of 15 minutes and cold-start latency
Why
Lambda is 'serverless': you upload a function, AWS runs it when an event arrives (HTTP call, file uploaded, queue message) and you pay per execution.
Limits: each run can last at most 15 minutes, and after being idle the first call can be slower while a new environment starts (cold start).
Great for spiky, event-driven work; for long jobs or constant heavy traffic, containers are often simpler and cheaper.
Remember
Lambda = event-driven functions, max 15 min, cold starts.