Azure Function App

Core Functionality

Event-Driven Execution: Runs code in response to various events, such as HTTP requests, timers, or messages from other Azure services like Azure Storage or Azure Event Hubs.

Language Support: Supports multiple programming languages, including C#, JavaScript, Python, Java, and PowerShell, allowing developers to use their preferred language.

Scalability: Automatically scales based on the demand, ensuring that your functions can handle varying workloads without manual intervention.

Integration: Integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, such as Azure Logic Apps, Azure API Management, and Azure Event Grid, to build comprehensive solutions.

Development and Deployment: Offers a range of tools for development, including Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and the Azure portal. Supports continuous integration and deployment pipelines to streamline the deployment process.

Monitoring and Diagnostics: Provides built-in monitoring and diagnostics through Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and other tools to track the performance and health of your functions.

Well Architected Framework

Reliability:

• Use appropriate triggers (e.g., HTTP requests, queues) for resilience.
• Implement retries, durable patterns, exception handling, and idempotency.
• Ensure scalability and monitor performance with Application Insights.

Security:

• Enable managed identities for secure access to Azure services.
• Use Azure Key Vault for secrets management and apply network security controls.
• Restrict access using Microsoft Entra ID and secure networking configurations.

Cost Optimization:

• Choose pricing plans (Consumption, Premium, Dedicated) suited to your workload.
• Optimize operation time through efficient coding and minimize dependencies.
• Regularly monitor costs and set up alerts for anomalies.

Operational Excellence:

• Automate deployments with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
• Implement health monitoring with Azure Monitor and Application Insights.
• Plan for disaster recovery and use deployment slots for safe updates.

Performance Efficiency:

• Minimize latency (e.g., use prewarmed instances in Elastic Premium plans).
• Write optimized, efficient code and leverage autoscaling.
• Monitor key performance metrics like CPU and memory usage.

References

• Azure Functions Overview
• Create your first function in Azure