In the context of cloud computing, what does vertical scaling typically refer to?

Vertical scaling, also known as "scaling up," refers specifically to the process of upgrading the existing hardware capabilities of a single machine. This can involve enhancing the server's components, such as increasing the CPU power, adding more RAM, or upgrading storage capacity, to handle additional workloads more effectively.

In contrast to horizontal scaling, which involves adding more machines to the system to manage increased load, vertical scaling focuses on enhancing the capacity of a single machine to perform better. This is often seen as a straightforward approach for improving performance since it doesn't require changes to the system architecture, making it simpler to implement. Vertical scaling is particularly beneficial when applications require high-performance computations that are best managed by more powerful machines.

This understanding is fundamental in cloud computing as it helps engineers and architects determine the best scaling strategy based on application needs, workload patterns, and cost considerations.