Mastering Azure Functions: Complete Serverless Guide

Master Azure Functions: The Essential Serverless Development Course

What you'll learn

Understand the basics of Azure Functions and serverless computing, and discover the key benefits of using serverless architecture for cloud applications.

Learn how serverless computing differs from traditional architectures and how it benefits developers in terms of scalability, cost efficiency, and flexibility.

Gain hands-on experience with function triggers (HTTP, Timer, Blob, Queue) and bindings, and learn how to handle input and output data effectively.

Understand how Azure Functions execute, the concept of statelessness, and how to manage cold starts and warm starts in a production environment.

Learn about auto-scaling, the different pricing plans (Consumption, Premium, and Dedicated), and how to select the right plan for different use cases.

Master monitoring and diagnostics using Azure Application Insights, and set up alerts and logs to track and troubleshoot functions in production.

Set up a local development environment using Azure Functions Core Tools, and learn how to deploy functions using Continuous Deployment through Azure DevOps

Explore advanced topics like Durable Functions, error handling, resilience strategies, and how to integrate functions with services like Cosmos DB, Event Grid.

Understand the pricing models of Azure Functions, how to manage costs effectively, and strategies for optimizing performance while keeping expenses low.

Learn how to build event-driven applications, real-time data processing systems, and automate cloud workflows using Azure Functions.

Requirements

Willingness to Learn.

Description

In this comprehensive course, you will master Azure Functions, the powerful serverless computing service offered by Microsoft Azure. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with serverless technology or an experienced developer aiming to deepen your expertise, this course covers everything you need to know.We begin by exploring the fundamentals of Azure Functions, explaining what they are, how they work, and why serverless computing is a game-changer for modern developers. You’ll understand the core principles of serverless architecture, the benefits of Azure Functions, and how they integrate seamlessly into the Azure cloud ecosystem to help you scale applications efficiently while keeping costs under control.As we dive deeper, we will cover key concepts such as function triggers and bindings, which are essential for invoking functions and connecting them to various services and data sources. You will learn about the different types of triggers, such as HTTP, Timer, Blob, and Queue triggers, and how input and output bindings simplify data handling.You will also gain hands-on experience with the Azure Function lifecycle, understanding execution flow, the stateless nature of functions, and how to deal with cold starts and warm starts. Additionally, we’ll explore scalability in Azure Functions, from auto-scaling to choosing the right pricing plan based on your needs, and best practices for optimizing performance.Monitoring and logging are crucial in production environments, and this course will show you how to leverage Azure Application Insights for real-time diagnostics and performance tracking. You’ll also learn how to set up alerts and logs to ensure your functions run smoothly.In the development and deployment section, you’ll learn how to set up a local development environment, use Azure Functions Core Tools, and deploy your functions using Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) with Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions. We’ll also cover managing your functions via the Azure Portal, including configuration settings and function app management options.For those interested in advanced topics, we cover Durable Functions, which enable you to manage long-running workflows, and explore more sophisticated triggers and bindings for integrating with services like Cosmos DB, Event Grid, and Service Bus. You'll also gain insight into security, error handling, and resilience strategies to ensure that your functions can recover from failures and continue operating reliably.We’ll discuss cost management strategies, pricing models, and how to optimize your Azure Functions to ensure they remain cost-effective without sacrificing performance. You will also explore real-world use cases such as event-driven applications, real-time data processing, and automating cloud workflows using Azure Logic Apps and Durable Functions.By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to build, deploy, and manage serverless applications with Azure Functions. Whether you're building APIs, automating workflows, or processing real-time data, you'll have the tools you need to leverage Azure Functions to create efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Azure Functions

Lecture 1 What is Azure Functions?

Lecture 2 Understanding Serverless Architecture

Lecture 3 How Azure Functions Fit in the Cloud Ecosystem

Section 2: Core Concepts of Azure Functions

Lecture 4 Function Triggers and Bindings

Lecture 5 Azure Function Lifecycle

Lecture 6 Understanding Scalability in Azure Functions

Lecture 7 Monitoring and Logging Azure Functions

Section 3: Development and Deployment of Azure Functions

Lecture 8 Developing Azure Functions Locally

Lecture 9 Deploying Azure Functions

Lecture 10 Managing Azure Functions with Azure Portal

Section 4: Advanced Azure Functions Concepts

Lecture 11 Durable Functions

Lecture 12 Function App Networking

Lecture 13 Advanced Triggers and Bindings

Lecture 14 Error Handling and Resilience in Functions

Section 5: Best Practices and Optimization

Lecture 15 Writing Efficient Azure Functions

Lecture 16 Securing Azure Functions

Lecture 17 Cost Management and Optimization

Section 6: Real-World Use Cases and Applications

Lecture 18 Common Use Cases for Azure Functions

Lecture 19 Use Case: Serverless APIs with Azure Functions

Lecture 20 Use Case: Automating Cloud Workflows

Section 7: Conclusion and Further Learning

Lecture 21 Review of Key Takeaways

Lecture 22 Where to Go Next?

Lecture 23 Final Thoughts on Serverless and Azure Functions

Developers and Software Engineers: Anyone looking to expand their skills in cloud development, particularly in serverless computing with Azure Functions, will benefit from this course. Whether you're building APIs, automating tasks, or processing data, this course will provide you with the tools to work effectively with serverless architecture.,Cloud Enthusiasts: If you're interested in cloud technologies and want to understand how to build scalable, cost-efficient applications on Microsoft Azure, this course is for you.,DevOps Professionals: This course will also appeal to those working in DevOps who want to learn how to deploy, monitor, and manage serverless applications in Azure, especially those looking to integrate Azure Functions into CI/CD pipelines.,Students and Beginners: Even if you're new to Azure or serverless computing, this course will guide you through the fundamentals and provide hands-on experience to get you up to speed.,IT Professionals Looking to Transition to Cloud: If you're an IT professional with a background in traditional infrastructure or software development, this course will help you transition to cloud-native development using serverless technology.,Tech Enthusiasts: If you're passionate about learning new technologies and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in cloud computing, this course will help you explore Azure Functions and the growing world of serverless solutions.