Google Cloud Platform
Table of contents
🌥️ Introduction to Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a collection of cloud computing services offered by Google. It provides infrastructure, platform, and software tools to help businesses and developers build, deploy, and manage applications.
🏗️ What is Cloud Computing?
📌 Traditional vs. Cloud Computing
Traditional IT: You buy and maintain physical servers, storage, and networking hardware.
Cloud Computing: You rent computing resources (servers, storage, databases, etc.) from a cloud provider like Google, and they handle everything for you.
📌 Why Use Cloud Computing?
Scalability – Add or reduce resources as needed.
Cost-Efficient – Pay only for what you use.
Security – Google provides high-level security.
Global Reach – Access data from anywhere.
No Maintenance – No need to manage physical hardware.
☁️ What is GCP?
GCP is Google’s cloud computing service that allows businesses and developers to:
✅ Store data in cloud storage.
✅ Run applications on virtual machines.
✅ Build and train machine learning models.
✅ Host websites and APIs.
It competes with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, but GCP is preferred for its powerful data analytics, AI, and machine learning capabilities.
🔑 GCP Key Components (Services)
GCP provides services in different categories:
Compute – Running applications (e.g., Compute Engine, Kubernetes Engine).
Storage – Storing data (e.g., Cloud Storage, BigQuery).
Networking – Connecting applications (e.g., VPC, Load Balancing).
Databases – Managing structured/unstructured data (e.g., Firestore, Cloud SQL).
AI & ML – Building AI models (e.g., AI Platform, Vertex AI).
Security – Protecting data and applications (e.g., IAM, Security Command Center).
📌 Notes for Quick Revision
1️⃣ Cloud computing allows renting instead of buying hardware.
2️⃣ GCP is Google’s cloud service offering storage, compute power, and AI tools.
3️⃣ It provides pay-as-you-go pricing, so you only pay for what you use.
4️⃣ GCP is known for its advanced AI, machine learning, and big data capabilities.
🎯 Setting Up Your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Account
Before using GCP, you need to create an account. Google offers a Free Tier with $300 in credits for new users, valid for 90 days.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a GCP Account
1️⃣ Go to the GCP Website
Open https://cloud.google.com in your browser.
Click on "Get Started for Free".
2️⃣ Sign in with a Google Account
- Use an existing Google account or create a new one.
3️⃣ Enter Basic Details
- Fill in your name, country, and other details.
4️⃣ Billing Information (Required, but No Charges)
Google asks for credit/debit card details to verify your identity.
No money will be deducted unless you manually upgrade your account.
You can set spending limits to avoid unexpected charges.
5️⃣ Accept Terms & Create Account
Agree to Google’s terms and click "Start My Free Trial".
Your $300 free credits are now available!
🎁 Understanding GCP Free Tier
Google Cloud provides two types of free services:
1️⃣ $300 Free Credits (for 90 days)
You can use any GCP service (like Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, etc.).
Once credits expire, your account is paused unless you upgrade.
2️⃣ Always Free Services (Limited Usage)
Includes services like Cloud Functions, Compute Engine (1 small VM), Cloud Storage (5GB), BigQuery, etc.
Available forever, even after your free trial ends.
📌 Tip: You can monitor your credit usage in the Billing Dashboard.
📌 Notes for Quick Revision
1️⃣ GCP offers $300 free credits for 90 days to try services.
2️⃣ A credit/debit card is required, but no automatic charges occur.
3️⃣ Always Free services provide limited free usage even after the trial.
4️⃣ You can check and manage spending limits in the Billing Dashboard.