Vercel's Edge Functions empower you to deliver dynamic, personalized content using the lightweight Edge Runtime. Whether you're building web or React Native mobile applications, Edge Functions provide a responsive and performant solution. The Edge Runtime ensures global deployment, executing functions in the region nearest to the user, eliminating cold boot times.
Key Features:
Low latency playback with WebRTC for livestreams and MP4 renditions for assets.
Automatic fallback to HLS playback using HLS.js for uninterrupted viewing.
Custom retry logic for handling livestream interruptions or transient network issues.
Getting Started
Deploy an Edge Function Template
To quickly get started, deploy an Edge Function template by following the provided example.
JWT Authentication
Learn how to implement JWT authentication at the edge for secure and seamless user interactions.
CORS in Edge Functions
Handle Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) seamlessly at the edge for enhanced security.
Using Crypto in Edge Middleware and Edge Functions
Explore the usage of crypto Web APIs at the edge for secure and efficient cryptographic operations.
Open Graph Image Generation
Generate dynamic social card images with React components for engaging content sharing.
SvelteKit Route Config
Configure Edge Functions, Serverless Functions, and Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) in SvelteKit applications on a per-route basis.
Nuxt on the Edge
Leverage Vue-based SSR on the edge with Nuxt 3, Nitro, and Vercel Edge Functions.
How Edge Functions Work
Edge Functions utilize Vercel's Edge Runtime, built on the high-performance V8 JavaScript and WebAssembly engine. This allows functions to run in isolated environments without containers or virtual machines, ensuring lightweight and efficient execution. The global deployment on Vercel's Edge Network enables low-latency responses and eliminates cold boot times.
Why Use Edge Functions
Benefits
Reduced Network Usage Costs:
Execute near users or databases, minimizing network travel and reducing costs.
Reduced Latency:
Configure functions to execute near users for significantly lower latency compared to Serverless Functions.
Personalized Dynamic Content:
Deliver content based on the user's accessing region for a tailored experience.
Support for Other Languages:
Compile libraries in languages like C or Rust and use them in Edge Functions.
Regional Edge Function Invocation:
Configure functions to execute in specific regions for optimized performance.
Using a Database with Edge Functions
Optimize response times by limiting Edge Functions to regions near database dependencies or using globally-distributed databases like Edge Config, Vercel KV, and Vercel Blob.
Limitations
Max initial response time: 25 seconds
Max post-compression size: 4 MB
Considerations for data source distance and latency
Limited support for native Node.js APIs
For a detailed comparison with Serverless Functions and additional limitations, refer to the documentation.
Key Takeaways
Edge Functions run post-Edge Network cache, supporting caching and real-time streaming.
Utilize the Edge Runtime for faster cold boots but note the restriction on using Node.js APIs.
Edge Functions have the same signature as Edge Middleware.
Log and monitor Edge Functions through the console API and the Logs tab in the Vercel dashboard.
For further details and comparisons, explore the documentation.
Continuing Documentation
Comparison with Serverless Functions
Edge Functions offer advantages over Serverless Functions for globally distributed user bases. The following table summarizes key distinctions:
Feature
Edge Functions
Serverless Functions
Deployment Region
Globally distributed
Region-specific
Network Usage
Reduced costs, shorter distances
Potentially higher costs, longer distances
Latency
Configurable for low latency
Potentially higher latency
Dynamic Content
Personalized based on user region
Limited personalization
Language Support
Support for various languages
Typically JavaScript/Node.js
Logging
Edge Functions fully support the console API, including functions like time, debug, and timeEnd. Runtime logs can be accessed in the Vercel dashboard under the Logs tab, where you can filter and view Edge Function logs specifically.
Code Organization: Organize your Edge Functions effectively, considering the lightweight nature of the Edge Runtime.
Conclusion
Vercel's Edge Functions provide a powerful and flexible solution for delivering dynamic content with low latency globally. Whether you are optimizing costs, reducing latency, or providing personalized experiences, Edge Functions offer a versatile and efficient toolset.
Explore the documentation for in-depth guides, tutorials, and examples. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.
Happy coding with Vercel Edge Functions!
Advanced Usage and Tips
Customizing Edge Functions
When implementing Edge Functions, you can make use of the @vercel/edge package, which provides helpful functions like geolocation and ipAddress. These utilities enable you to add custom logic based on user location or IP address, enhancing the functionality of your Edge Functions.
Feature Flags at the Edge
Optimize your application's performance by enabling or disabling feature flags at the edge. With Edge Config, you can dynamically control feature flags based on the region an Edge Function executes in, resulting in faster responses and improved user experiences.
Using Next.js with Edge Functions
For those using Edge Functions with Next.js, you can import and leverage the next/server helpers (such as NextRequest and NextResponse). While not mandatory, these helpers can enhance your development workflow, especially when configuring API Routes to run at the edge.
Monitoring and Debugging
Monitor the performance of your Edge Functions through the Vercel dashboard. The Logs tab provides detailed runtime logs for each function, aiding in debugging and optimization. Leverage the console API within your functions to incorporate custom logging for further insights.
Continuous Optimization
Regularly review and optimize your Edge Functions to ensure they align with evolving application requirements. Considerations such as response times, data source proximity, and overall efficiency play crucial roles in maintaining optimal performance.
Next Steps
Explore Documentation: Dive deeper into our official documentation for comprehensive guides, tutorials, and reference materials.
Community Support: Engage with the vibrant Vercel community on forums for discussions, tips, and shared experiences.
Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest features, updates, and best practices through our blog and release notes.
Contact Support: If you encounter any issues or have specific queries, reach out to our support team for assistance.
Conclusion
Vercel Edge Functions offer a powerful solution for delivering dynamic content with speed and efficiency. By leveraging the Edge Runtime and optimizing for low latency, you can create high-performance applications that provide exceptional user experiences. Continue exploring and experimenting with Edge Functions to unlock their full potential.
Happy coding and best of luck with your projects on Vercel!
Overview
Vercel's Edge Functions empower you to deliver dynamic, personalized content using the lightweight Edge Runtime. Whether you're building web or React Native mobile applications, Edge Functions provide a responsive and performant solution. The Edge Runtime ensures global deployment, executing functions in the region nearest to the user, eliminating cold boot times.
Key Features:
Getting Started
Deploy an Edge Function Template
To quickly get started, deploy an Edge Function template by following the provided example.
JWT Authentication
Learn how to implement JWT authentication at the edge for secure and seamless user interactions.
CORS in Edge Functions
Handle Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) seamlessly at the edge for enhanced security.
Using Crypto in Edge Middleware and Edge Functions
Explore the usage of crypto Web APIs at the edge for secure and efficient cryptographic operations.
Open Graph Image Generation
Generate dynamic social card images with React components for engaging content sharing.
SvelteKit Route Config
Configure Edge Functions, Serverless Functions, and Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) in SvelteKit applications on a per-route basis.
Nuxt on the Edge
Leverage Vue-based SSR on the edge with Nuxt 3, Nitro, and Vercel Edge Functions.
How Edge Functions Work
Edge Functions utilize Vercel's Edge Runtime, built on the high-performance V8 JavaScript and WebAssembly engine. This allows functions to run in isolated environments without containers or virtual machines, ensuring lightweight and efficient execution. The global deployment on Vercel's Edge Network enables low-latency responses and eliminates cold boot times.
Why Use Edge Functions
Benefits
Reduced Network Usage Costs:
Reduced Latency:
Personalized Dynamic Content:
Support for Other Languages:
Regional Edge Function Invocation:
Using a Database with Edge Functions
Limitations
For a detailed comparison with Serverless Functions and additional limitations, refer to the documentation.
Key Takeaways
For further details and comparisons, explore the documentation.
Continuing Documentation
Comparison with Serverless Functions
Edge Functions offer advantages over Serverless Functions for globally distributed user bases. The following table summarizes key distinctions:
Logging
Edge Functions fully support the console API, including functions like
time,debug, andtimeEnd. Runtime logs can be accessed in the Vercel dashboard under the Logs tab, where you can filter and view Edge Function logs specifically.Additional Considerations
Limitations Overview: Review the Edge Functions limitations page for detailed information on constraints.
Code Organization: Organize your Edge Functions effectively, considering the lightweight nature of the Edge Runtime.
Conclusion
Vercel's Edge Functions provide a powerful and flexible solution for delivering dynamic content with low latency globally. Whether you are optimizing costs, reducing latency, or providing personalized experiences, Edge Functions offer a versatile and efficient toolset.
Explore the documentation for in-depth guides, tutorials, and examples. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.
Happy coding with Vercel Edge Functions!
Advanced Usage and Tips
Customizing Edge Functions
When implementing Edge Functions, you can make use of the
@vercel/edgepackage, which provides helpful functions likegeolocationandipAddress. These utilities enable you to add custom logic based on user location or IP address, enhancing the functionality of your Edge Functions.Feature Flags at the Edge
Optimize your application's performance by enabling or disabling feature flags at the edge. With Edge Config, you can dynamically control feature flags based on the region an Edge Function executes in, resulting in faster responses and improved user experiences.
Using Next.js with Edge Functions
For those using Edge Functions with Next.js, you can import and leverage the
next/serverhelpers (such asNextRequestandNextResponse). While not mandatory, these helpers can enhance your development workflow, especially when configuring API Routes to run at the edge.Monitoring and Debugging
Monitor the performance of your Edge Functions through the Vercel dashboard. The Logs tab provides detailed runtime logs for each function, aiding in debugging and optimization. Leverage the console API within your functions to incorporate custom logging for further insights.
Continuous Optimization
Regularly review and optimize your Edge Functions to ensure they align with evolving application requirements. Considerations such as response times, data source proximity, and overall efficiency play crucial roles in maintaining optimal performance.
Next Steps
Explore Documentation: Dive deeper into our official documentation for comprehensive guides, tutorials, and reference materials.
Community Support: Engage with the vibrant Vercel community on forums for discussions, tips, and shared experiences.
Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest features, updates, and best practices through our blog and release notes.
Contact Support: If you encounter any issues or have specific queries, reach out to our support team for assistance.
Conclusion
Vercel Edge Functions offer a powerful solution for delivering dynamic content with speed and efficiency. By leveraging the Edge Runtime and optimizing for low latency, you can create high-performance applications that provide exceptional user experiences. Continue exploring and experimenting with Edge Functions to unlock their full potential.
Happy coding and best of luck with your projects on Vercel!