Azure Functions: Microsoft’s Serverless Offering

This training dives into Azure Functions, Microsoft’s serverless computing solution, enabling developers to build event-driven applications without managing infrastructure. Learn to deploy, scale, and monitor serverless functions to streamline your cloud development process, reduce costs, and accelerate application delivery.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language like C#, JavaScript, or Python.
• Understanding of event-driven programming is helpful but not mandatory.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Azure Functions
   1.1. Overview of Serverless Computing
   1.2. What Are Azure Functions?
   1.3. Benefits of Using Azure Functions
   1.4. Real-World Use Cases
2. Azure Functions Architecture
   2.1. Function App Structure
   2.2. Triggers and Bindings Explained
   2.3. Supported Languages and Runtime Options
   2.4. Lifecycle of a Function
3. Setting Up Azure Functions
   3.1. Creating an Azure Account
   3.2. Setting Up the Azure Portal
   3.3. Installing Development Tools (Visual Studio, CLI, etc.)
   3.4. First Function Deployment
4. Triggers and Bindings
   4.1. Types of Triggers (HTTP, Timer, Queue, Event Hub, etc.)
   4.2. Input and Output Bindings Explained
   4.3. Combining Triggers and Bindings for Complex Workflows
   4.4. Real-World Scenarios
5. Developing Functions Locally
   5.1. Setting Up a Local Development Environment
   5.2. Writing Functions in Visual Studio/Visual Studio Code
   5.3. Debugging Locally
   5.4. Deploying Locally Developed Functions
6. Scaling and Performance Optimization
   6.1. Consumption vs. Premium Plans
   6.2. Auto-Scaling Based on Event Volume
   6.3. Cold Start Issues and Mitigation Techniques
   6.4. Optimizing Function Execution
7. Azure Functions with Event-Driven Architectures
   7.1. Using Event Grid with Azure Functions
   7.2. Integrating Functions with Azure Service Bus
   7.3. Orchestrating Workflows with Durable Functions
   7.4. Real-Time Event Processing
8. Integrations with Azure Services
   8.1. Connecting to Azure Storage
   8.2. Integrating with Azure Cosmos DB
   8.3. Leveraging Azure Logic Apps for Advanced Scenarios
   8.4. Using Azure Functions with APIs and Webhooks
9. Security and Best Practices
   9.1. Authentication and Authorization in Azure Functions
   9.2. Managing Secrets with Azure Key Vault
   9.3. Securing Endpoints and Data Transfer
   9.4. Monitoring for Potential Vulnerabilities
10. Monitoring and Troubleshooting
    10.1. Using Application Insights for Monitoring
    10.2. Logging and Telemetry in Azure Functions
    10.3. Troubleshooting Common Errors
    10.4. Performance Tuning and Metrics
11. Real-World Applications
    11.1. Building Serverless APIs with Azure Functions
    11.2. Automated Data Processing Pipelines
    11.3. Serverless Backend for Mobile Apps
    11.4. IoT Event Processing
12. Cost Management
    12.1. Understanding Pricing Models
    12.2. Estimating Costs for Azure Functions Usage
    12.3. Best Practices for Cost Optimization
    12.4. Managing Billing Alerts
13. Advanced Topics
    13.1. Durable Functions for Long-Running Workflows
    13.2. Using Azure Functions with Kubernetes (KEDA)
    13.3. Writing Functions with Advanced Language Features
    13.4. Future of Azure Functions in Cloud Development
14. Hands-On Labs and Projects
    14.1. Lab 1: Deploying Your First Function
    14.2. Lab 2: Building a Serverless API with Azure Functions
    14.3. Lab 3: Real-Time Data Processing with Event Hubs
    14.4. Project: Design and Deploy a Serverless Solution
15. Conclusion and Next Steps
    15.1. Key Takeaways
    15.2. Learning Resources for Azure Functions
    15.3. Certifications and Career Pathways
    15.4. Continuous Improvement with Azure Functions

Conclusion

Azure Functions empower developers to build scalable, event-driven applications without worrying about infrastructure. By mastering Azure Functions, you can optimize costs, improve agility, and deliver robust cloud-native solutions efficiently.