Serverless computing has become one of the most popular approaches in modern cloud development. Instead of worrying about servers, scaling, or maintenance, developers can simply focus on writing the logic that matters while the cloud provider handles everything happening behind the scenes. In Microsoft Azure, one of the most effective ways to build serverless applications is by using Azure Functions. In this article, we’ll talk through what serverless computing is, what Azure Functions offer, and how you can create your own function step-by-step.
What is Serverless Computing?
Serverless Computing, often referred to as Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), lets developers run code without managing any servers. The cloud provider handles provisioning, scaling, and maintaining the infrastructure. All you do is write your business logic, and the cloud handles the rest.
In the serverless approach, these pieces of logic are typically written as small, event-driven functions that run only when needed. Azure Functions is one such platform that makes this possible.
What are Azure Functions?
Azure Functions is Microsoft Azure’s lightweight, serverless compute service. It allows you to run small blocks of code triggered by events without worrying about the server or infrastructure. You can write your function in various programming languages, including C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, and more.
How to Create and Use Azure Functions?
We are going to discuss in detail, step-by-step, how to create and use an Azure Function below:
Step 1: Open the Azure Portal
After logging in, look for Function App in the search bar. This is where you will create your serverless environment.
Step 2: Create a New Function App
Click the + icon to start the creation process.
Step 3: Configure Your Function App
You’ll now work through different configuration tabs.
Basics
- Choose your Azure subscription.
- Create or select a resource group
- Give your function App a unique name
- Choose a runtime stack (e.g., NET, Node.js, Python).
- Select Windows or Linux as your OS.
Storage
Azure will attach a storage account to your Function App. You can use an existing one or create a new one.
Deployment (Optional)
If you want CI/CD, connect your app to GitHub here.
Once everything looks good, click create. Azure will deploy your Function App.
Step 4: Open the Resources
After deployment, click Go to resource. You can now add your function. Azure allows multiple development options like VS Code, CLI, or the Azure Portal. For this walk-through, we’ll use the portal.
Step 5: Create Your First Function
Choose a development environment, select a template, and pick HTTP Trigger.
Configure the template settings and click Create.
Step 6: View or Modify Code
Go to the Code+Test tab. Azure provides sample code for your selected language. You can modify it or run it as-is.
Running the Function
You can test your function using:
- The built-in Test/Run tab
- A browser (for GET requests)
- Postman (for POST requests)
GET Example
- Choose GET
- Add query parameters (e.g., name=John)
- Click Run
Post Example
- Choose POST
- Add a JSON body
- Click Run
You can also copy your function’s URL and test it externally.
Test With Postman
Paste the function URL, choose GET or POST, and send a request. You should see the function response immediately.
Advantages of Azure Functions
- 100% serverless, no infrastructure to manage
- Supports many programming languages
- Easy to build event-driven workflows
- Automatically scaled based on demand
- Cost-effective, you pay only for the execution time
Azure Functions provide a streamlined, developer-friendly way to build serverless applications. They take the burden of infrastructure management off your shoulders, letting you focus entirely on writing clean, efficient code. With automatic scaling, flexible triggers, and low operational costs. Azure Functions are an excellent choice for building responsive, scalable cloud solutions.