Deploy Serverless app to Microsoft Azure using Azure Function, Azure API Management and other Azure Services

Deploying a serverless application on Microsoft Azure typically involves using Azure Functions, Azure API Management, and other services. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you deploy a serverless application on Azure:

1. Set Up Your Azure Account

• If you don’t have an Azure account, sign up at Azure.

• Once you have an account, log in to the Azure portal.

2. Install the Azure CLI

• Install the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) on your local machine to interact with Azure services from the command line.

• Follow the instructions here to install the Azure CLI.

• Log in to your Azure account using the CLI:

az login

3. Set Up a Development Environment

• Install Node.js: If you're using JavaScript/TypeScript, ensure Node.js is installed.

• Install Visual Studio Code: VS Code is recommended for editing and deploying Azure Functions. Install it from here.

• Install Azure Functions Core Tools: This tool allows you to run and debug Azure Functions locally.

npm install -g azure-functions-core-tools@4 --unsafe-perm true

4. Create an Azure Function App

• You can create a Function App using the Azure CLI or directly in the Azure portal.

• Using Azure CLI:

az functionapp create --resource-group <ResourceGroupName> --consumption-plan-location <Location> --runtime node --functions-version 4 --name <FunctionAppName> --storage-account <StorageAccountName>

• Using the Azure Portal:

  1. Navigate to "Create a resource" > "Function App."

  2. Fill in the required details like Subscription, Resource Group, Function App name, Runtime stack, and Storage account.

  3. Review and create the Function App.

5. Create Your Function Locally

• Use the Azure Functions extension in VS Code or Azure Functions Core Tools to create a new function.

• Using VS Code:

  1. Open VS Code and click on the Azure icon in the Activity Bar.

  2. Click on the "+" icon next to "Functions" to create a new function.

  3. Follow the prompts to select a template, such as HTTP Trigger, and provide a function name.

• Using Core Tools:

func init MyFunctionApp --javascript
cd MyFunctionApp
func new --template "HTTP trigger" --name HttpTrigger

6. Write Your Function

• For example, create an HTTP-triggered function:

module.exports = async function (context, req) {
    context.log('JavaScript HTTP trigger function processed a request.');
    const name = req.query.name || (req.body && req.body.name);
    const responseMessage = name
        ? "Hello, " + name + "."
        : "Hello, world!";
    context.res = {
        status: 200,
        body: responseMessage
    };
};

7. Test Your Function Locally

• Run your function locally using the following command:

func start

• You can test it by sending an HTTP request to http://localhost:7071/api/HttpTrigger.

8. Deploy Your Function to Azure

• Using Azure CLI:

func azure functionapp publish <FunctionAppName>

Using VS Code:

1. Right-click on the project in the Azure Functions extension.

2. Select "Deploy to Function App."

3. Choose your subscription and the Function App you created earlier.

9. Access Your Deployed Function

• Once deployed, you can access your function via the URL provided in the Azure portal:

https://<FunctionAppName>.azurewebsites.net/api/HttpTrigger?name=<your-name>

10. Monitor and Manage Your Function

• Use the Azure portal to monitor logs, set up alerts, and manage scaling.

• Navigate to your Function App and use the "Monitor" tab to view logs and performance metrics.

11. Use Azure API Management (Optional)

• If you need more control over your API, you can integrate your Azure Functions with Azure API Management for additional features like rate limiting, caching, and security.

• Create an API Management service in the Azure portal, and import your Azure Function as an API.

12. Clean Up Resources

• To avoid incurring charges for unused resources, delete the Function App and related resources from the Azure portal or via the Azure CLI:

az group delete --name <ResourceGroupName>

Key Azure Services Used:

• Azure Functions: Executes your code in response to events without managing infrastructure.

• Azure Storage: Provides storage for function triggers and other data.

• Azure API Management: Manages and secures your API if needed.

This guide covers a basic setup, but Azure Functions can be extended with other Azure services like Cosmos DB, Service Bus, and more depending on your application's needs.