Mastering Serverless Computing with Azure: A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine creating apps without the need to handle servers. Step into the realm of serverless computing! This piece gives an overview of serverless computing, a tech that streamlines app development and cuts down on infrastructure upkeep. Whether you're new to this or a student keen on learning, this guide takes you through the fundamentals, advantages, and actionable steps to dive into serverless computing.

What is Serverless Computing?

Serverless computing allows you to build and run applications without managing servers. The cloud provider handles the infrastructure, letting you focus on writing code. This approach evolves from traditional server-based models to a more flexible and efficient way of handling applications. Major players in the field, such as Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps, lead this evolution.

Why Serverless Computing Matters

Serverless computing changes the game for several reasons. First, it simplifies the development process by removing the need for server management. You can focus on writing and deploying code. Second, the pay-per-execution pricing model ensures cost efficiency. You only pay for what you use. Finally, serverless computing offers automatic scaling. Your application can handle varying loads without manual intervention.

Advantages of Serverless Computing

One main advantage of serverless computing is the absence of server management. You focus solely on your code. The cloud provider takes care of the rest. This increases productivity.

Deploying applications becomes quicker and easier. Additionally, serverless computing works well with event-driven architectures. These respond to events in real time. This makes your applications more responsive and scalable.

Steps to Get Started with Serverless Computing

1. Set Up an Account

   • Visit Azure Portal: Go to Azure Portal.

   • Sign-up Account: Sign up for an account and purchase a subscription if you don't have one.

2. Create a Simple Function

   • Navigate to Azure Functions: In the Azure Portal, search for "Function App" in the top search bar and select it.

• Create a Function App:

  • Click "Create".

• Choose your subscription.

• Create a new resource group (e.g., AzureTalks).

• Enter a unique name for your Function App (e.g., myserverlessfunctionapp).

• Choose your region.

• Select the runtime stack (e.g., Node.js, Python, C#).

• Click "Review + Create" and then "Create".

The deployment process may take some time, so be patient.

3. Develop Your Function Using the Azure Portal

   • Go to Your Function App: Once the deployment is complete, go to your Function App.

   • Add a Function:

     • Click on "Functions" in the left sidebar.

     • Click "Add files".

• Choose a template (e.g., "HTTP trigger").

• Configure the new function (e.g., name it HttpTrigger1 and set the authorization level to Function).

• Click "Create Function".

4. Deploy and Test

• Run the Function:

  • In the "Code + Test" section, you will see a "Test/Run" button at the top of the page.

  • Click "Test/Run".

  • An interface to test your function appears. Click "Run" to execute the function with default settings.

• Check the Output:

  • The output of your function displays in the "Logs" section at the bottom of the page.

  • You should see a message indicating the function executes successfully.

• Get Function URL:

  • Click "Get Function URL" at the top of the page and copy the URL.

  • Open a new browser tab and paste the URL to test it. You can append ?name=YourName to the URL to see a personalized response.

5. Integrate with Event-Driven Services

• Set Up Event Grid:

  • Navigate to "Event Grid" in the Azure Portal.

• Create a new Event Grid Topic.

• Link your Function App to this Event Grid to trigger functions based on events.

• Configure Event Subscription:

  • Go to your Event Grid Topic.

  • Click on "Event Subscription".

  • Add a new subscription and set the endpoint to your Function App.

Personal Insights

Serverless computing changes the way we develop applications. It eliminates the need for server management. This allows you to focus on writing code. This results in increased productivity and faster deployment. The latest updates to Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps make serverless computing more accessible and efficient. I encourage you to explore this exciting technology. Take advantage of its many benefits. For further learning, check out the additional resources provided below.

Follow Umesh Pandit

linkedin.com/in/umeshpandit

x.com/umeshpanditax

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/umesh-pandit-s-notes-7038805524523483137/