Azure functions
Azure Functions is an event-driven, serverless compute service that eliminates the need for managing virtual machines or containers. Functions are activated by events, which means resources are not provisioned when there are no events, optimizing cost and efficiency.
Azure Functions are ideal for executing tasks in response to events, such as REST requests, timers, or messages from other Azure services, especially when the tasks can be completed quickly. They automatically scale based on demand, making them suitable for variable workloads. Functions can be stateless, restarting with each event, or stateful (Durable Functions), where they maintain context to track prior activity.
As a key component of serverless computing, Azure Functions provide a versatile compute platform for running any type of code. If application requirements change, the project can be deployed in a non-serverless environment, offering flexibility to manage scaling, run on virtual networks, and achieve complete isolation.
Azure App Service
Azure App Service is a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) that enables you to build, deploy, and scale web apps, mobile app backends, and RESTful APIs. It supports multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, Python, and PHP, and integrates seamlessly with DevOps pipelines for continuous deployment and development.
Key features of Azure app service include: scalability, security, global reach, integrated services, DevOps support, monitoring and diagnostics.
Azure App Service is ideal for developers who need to quickly create and deploy web, API, and mobile applications and webJobs without managing the underlying infrastructure, allowing them to focus on delivering value to their users.
Azure App Service manages most of the infrastructure decisions involved in hosting web-accessible apps, providing the following key benefits:
- Integrated Deployment and Management: Streamlines the deployment and management process directly within the platform.
- Secure Endpoints: Ensures that application endpoints can be securely managed.
- Scalability: Allows quick scaling to handle high traffic loads efficiently.
- High Availability: Utilizes built-in load balancing and traffic management to maintain high availability.
This versatile platform supports various app styles, all hosted on the same robust infrastructure, making Azure App Service the ideal choice for web-oriented applications.
Web Apps: App Service fully supports hosting web apps using ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, Java, Ruby, Node.js, PHP, or Python. You can select either Windows or Linux as the host operating system.
API Apps: Similar to hosting a website, you can build REST-based web APIs using your preferred language and framework. App Service offers full Swagger support and the ability to package and publish your API to the Azure Marketplace, making it accessible from any HTTP- or HTTPS-based client.
WebJobs: The WebJobs feature allows you to run programs (.exe, Java, PHP, Python, or Node.js) or scripts (.cmd, .bat, PowerShell, or Bash) in the same context as a web app, API app, or mobile app. WebJobs can be scheduled or triggered, often used to run background tasks integral to your application logic.
Mobile Apps: The Mobile Apps feature of App Service enables rapid backend development for iOS and Android apps. With a few configurations in the Azure portal, you can:
- Store mobile app data in a cloud-based SQL database.
- Authenticate users via common social providers, such as Microsoft Account, Google, Twitter, and Facebook.
- Send push notifications.
- Execute custom backend logic in C# or Node.js.
Additionally, there’s SDK support for native iOS and Android, Xamarin, and React Native apps, facilitating seamless mobile app development.
