> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.serverlessapigateway.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.serverlessapigateway.com/glossary/p/paas-platform-as-a-service.md). # PaaS (Platform as a Service) A cloud computing model that provides customers a complete platform -- hardware, software, and infrastructure -- for developing, running, and managing applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure typically associated with developing and launching an app. PaaS sits between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) in the cloud computing stack. While IaaS provides raw compute, storage, and networking, PaaS adds managed runtimes, databases, development tools, and deployment automation. Examples include Heroku, Google App Engine, and Azure App Service. PaaS reduces the operational burden on development teams by handling operating system updates, patching, scaling, and load balancing. Developers deploy application code, and the platform manages everything below the application layer. Serverless platforms can be considered an evolution of PaaS, further abstracting away resource allocation and billing at the function or request level rather than the application level. API gateways on PaaS and serverless platforms provide managed routing and security without infrastructure management. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.serverlessapigateway.com/glossary/p/paas-platform-as-a-service.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.