Learn AZURE-FUNCTIONS with Real Code Examples

Azure Functions enables developers to run code in response to events or HTTP requests without managing servers.

It supports multiple languages including C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, and PowerShell.

Functions can be triggered by timers, HTTP requests, queues, and other Azure services.

Integrates with Azure Logic Apps, Event Grid, Cosmos DB, and other Azure services for end-to-end workflows.

Commonly used for APIs, background jobs, event processing, and real-time data processing.

Serverless execution with per-request billing

Bindings to external services for input/output

Local development and debugging via Azure Functions Core Tools

Timer-based, queue-based, or HTTP triggers

Deployment slots for staging and production

Function - unit of compute triggered by events

Trigger - event that causes the function to run

Binding - declarative input/output connections

Function App - container for one or more functions

Plan - hosting model (Consumption, Premium, Dedicated)

host.json - function app configuration

local.settings.json - local environment variables

<function_name>/ - function code folder

function.json - trigger and binding definitions

package.json / requirements.txt / .csproj - dependencies per language

Initialize a Function App project

Create a new function with a specific trigger type

Write business logic and use bindings for input/output

Test functions locally with `func start`

Deploy to Azure and monitor using portal or CLI

Beginner: HTTP-triggered API endpoint

Intermediate: queue-triggered background job

Advanced: event-driven integration with multiple Azure services

Expert: orchestrated workflows using Durable Functions

Architect: multi-function apps with CI/CD, scaling, and monitoring

Azure Functions vs AWS Lambda: multi-language support vs AWS ecosystem

Azure Functions vs Netlify Functions: enterprise-grade vs JAMstack-focused

Azure Functions vs OpenFaaS: cloud-managed vs self-hosted containers

Azure Functions vs Google Cloud Functions: deep Microsoft ecosystem vs GCP ecosystem

Azure Functions vs Serverless Framework: native vs multi-provider abstraction

2016 – General availability of Azure Functions

2017–2018 – Added Python and PowerShell support

2019 – Durable Functions introduced for orchestration

2020–2021 – Premium and Dedicated plans, extended scaling

2022–2025 – Enhanced language runtimes, monitoring, and security features

Function - unit of compute

Trigger - event causing function execution

Binding - declarative input/output connections

Function App - container for functions

Plan - hosting model (Consumption, Premium, Dedicated)