A Practical Guide to Cloud Development with Azure Developer CLI

You can enhance your Cloud Development projects with Azure Developer CLI. This command-line tool is specifically designed for Azure, allowing you to manage every aspect of your Azure project seamlessly. From start to finish, azd simplifies your work by making Cloud Development tasks straightforward. It integrates well with tools like GitHub Actions and Codespaces, providing teams using Azure Developer CLI with greater control. They can set up projects more quickly and create smaller deployment packages.

You and your team can collaborate more effectively. With azd and Azure, you can learn new skills and stay engaged in your Cloud Development journey.

Key Takeaways

• Azure Developer CLI makes cloud development easier. You can use commands like azd init and azd up. These help you start and deploy your projects fast.

• Working with others is simpler with Azure Developer CLI. You can use it with tools like GitHub Actions and Visual Studio Code. This helps make your work process smoother.

• Managing environments is important. Use azd env commands to create, switch, and manage environments. You can do this for development, testing, and production.

• Use templates to save time. Start projects with ready-made templates for web apps, APIs, and more. This helps you avoid setup mistakes.

• Watch your applications closely. Use the azd monitor command to check your app’s health and performance.

Cloud Development Overview

Azure Developer CLI Basics

You can begin cloud development using Azure Developer CLI. This cli lets you work with Azure in an easy way. You use azd to make, control, and launch your projects. The cli gives you commands that help you do your tasks. For example, you type azd init to start a new project. You type azd up to send your app to Azure. The cli also helps you handle your environments, like development, testing, and production.

Here is a table that lists what the Azure Developer CLI can do:

You get a neat project layout because azd cuts down on extra Infrastructure as Code files. You can see your deployed endpoints and environments by typing commands like azd show.

Why Use azd for Cloud Projects

Cloud development can be hard sometimes. The Azure Developer CLI helps you fix these problems. Here is a table that shows common problems and how azd helps:

You get a simple way to work with azd. You use easy commands to begin and launch your projects. The cli is great for .NET developers, especially with the Aspire stack for cloud apps. You notice a better user experience because azd makes starting and launching fast. You also get strong links with Azure services.

Tip: You can use azd with GitHub Actions and Codespaces to work faster and better with your team.

You make your cloud projects easier and quicker with Azure Developer CLI. You learn new things and work well with your team.

azd Features

Key Commands

You use the azure developer cli to help with cloud projects. The cli has azd commands that make your work faster and easier. Here are some important commands in the table below:

You use these commands to set up, launch, and check your apps in azure. The cli helps you do things the same way in your IDE, terminal, or CI/CD pipeline. You can automate setup and launching with tools like Azure Bicep and Terraform. You move your code to the cloud without much trouble.

"I did all of that with just two commands. I ran dotnet new ca-solution to make my Clean Architecture solution. Then I used azd pipeline config to finish the rest."

Supported Templates

You can start azure projects with templates that are ready to use. The azure developer cli has many templates for different app types. You can pick web apps, APIs, microservices, or AI-powered projects. The table below lists the main template galleries and what they offer:

You use azd templates to save time and avoid errors. There are templates for web apps, APIs, and microservices. You also find templates for AI projects like chatbots and recommendation systems. You choose a template, run a command, and begin your azure project.

Customization Options

You can change your cloud setups with the azure developer cli. The cli lets you use hooks to run special scripts during deployment. You can edit the azure.yaml file to add network parts and other resources. This gives you full control over your azure setup.

Here are some ways you can customize:

• Use hooks to run scripts during deployment.

• Change the azure.yaml file to add resources and networking.

• Automate jobs before and after setup and deployment.

You can run hooks at different times:

1. prerestore and postrestore: Run before and after package dependencies are restored.

2. preprovision and postprovision: Run before and after Azure resources are created.

3. predeploy and postdeploy: Run before and after your app code is sent to azure.

4. preup and postup: Run before and after the full deployment process.

5. predown and postdown: Run before and after resources are deleted.

You get features made for developers and strong DevOps tool connections. The azure developer cli makes setup and launching simple. You use templates, change your setup, and use easy commands to handle your azure projects.

"When I started using it, I was amazed. It matched my idea for making the code to cloud process simple.

Getting Started with azd

Installation Steps

You start by installing azure developer cli. This tool works on many computers. It helps you control azure resources. You must check some things before you install. The table below lists what you need:

First, install Docker Desktop. Next, sign in to your azure account. If you have a Mac with Apple Silicon, install Rosetta 2. On Windows, check if your computer supports Arm64. Download the cli from the GitHub release page.

After setup, open your terminal. Type azd version to see if it works. If you see a version number, the install was good.

Tip: Update your cli often. You get new features and better support.

Local Environment Setup

You set up your local environment for azure developer cli. Use easy commands to make and control environments. These steps help you keep your projects and resources neat.

1. Make a new environment:

azd env new <environment-name>

1. For example, type azd env new dev for a development environment.

2. See all your environments:

azd env list

1. You can view and manage your azure resources.

2. Change environments:

azd env select <environment-name>

1. Type azd env select prod to switch to production.

2. Update environment settings:

azd env refresh

1. This keeps your resources up to date.

2. Run commands in one environment:

azd up --environment <environment-name>

1. Deploy your app to azure in the chosen environment.

2. Delete environment resources:

azd down <environment-name>

1. Remove resources you do not need anymore.

Use these commands to keep things organized. You avoid mistakes and work faster with the cli.

Visual Studio Code Integration

You make your work easier by using azure developer cli with Visual Studio Code. This lets you control azure resources and deploy apps without leaving your code editor. Use the Remote - Containers extension for dev containers. You can also use GitHub Codespaces for cloud development.

• Deploy apps with simple workflows.

• Control azure resources in Visual Studio Code.

• Use AI tools to help you work faster.

• Set up projects quickly and run cli commands in the IDE.

Set up dev containers and Codespaces for azure developer cli. Follow these steps:

1. Add your app code. Start service source code projects and make sure they build. Update the azure.yaml file to point to these projects. Run azd package to check your setup.

2. Set up azure resources. Add or update Terraform modules for needed resources. Run azd provision to apply changes.

3. Link your app and infrastructure. Set up app settings, managed identities, and host settings. Make sure your app connects to azure resources.

4. Deploy to azure. Run azd up to set up and deploy your app.

Use azd templates to begin new projects. Change your setup and control resources with the cli. Work in Visual Studio Code or Codespaces and keep things simple.

Note: You get a smooth experience with azure developer cli in Visual Studio Code. You control resources, deploy apps, and use AI tools all in one place.

azd Workflow

Project Initialization

You begin cloud development by setting up your project with azure developer cli. This step builds the base for your app and its setup. You use azd to make a new environment and get your workspace ready. Here is an easy way to start:

1. Open your terminal and make a folder for your project.

2. Run azd init -t pascalvanderheiden/azd-ais-lza to use an azd template. If you already have a repo, just run azd init.

3. Set environment variables for your deployment. For example, use azd env set MY_IP_ADDRESS '<your-ip-address>' to add your IP address.

These steps help you get your project ready for azure. The cli checks your folder and helps you pick the right language or framework. You confirm your picks and finish setting up. This saves time and helps you avoid mistakes.

Tip: Start your project with azd templates. You get a neat setup and code that works for azure.

Resource Provisioning

You must set up resources before you deploy your app. Azure developer cli makes this simple. You do not need to set up each part by yourself. You use azd to do it for you. Here is what you do:

1. Make your project folder if you have not done it yet.

2. Run azd init to set up your app template. This command gets your code and setup ready.

3. Use azd up to deploy your setup and app at once. This command makes the App Service Plan, a resource group, and other needed parts.

You see how azd makes resource setup easier than doing it by hand. The cli does the hard work and links your app to azure. You spend less time setting up and more time building your app.

Note: Using azd to set up resources helps you avoid errors and keeps your cloud setup tidy.

Application Deployment

Putting your app on azure is a big part of cloud work. Azure developer cli gives you an easy way to do this. You follow these steps to move your code to the cloud:

1. Go to your main project folder.

2. Run azd init to start setting up.

3. Pick "Scan current directory" so azd can find your app's language or framework.

4. Confirm and keep going to finish setting up your app.

5. Run azd up to make Azure Container Apps resources and put your app online.

You use azd to make deployment automatic. The cli links your code to azure and sets up everything. You can update your app fast and keep your pipelines working well. This works with ci/cd workflows and pipelines, so your team can use it too.

Tip: Use azd deploy to update your app. This keeps your updates quick and steady.

Environment Management

Handling environments is key for different deployment stages. Azure developer cli helps you manage settings for development, testing, and production. Each azd environment has its own settings and setup. You use the cli to switch between them and keep things in order.

You should not add .env files to source control. Use remote environments to share or save your settings. This keeps your cloud setup safe and flexible.

Note: Managing environments with azd lets you deploy to azure with ease. You control your settings and keep your pipelines running well.

Cloud Application Scenarios

Web Apps

You can make web apps fast with the azure developer cli. The cli helps you set up your project and link it to azure. You use azd templates to start with a ready-made setup. This saves time and helps you avoid mistakes. When you run azd commands, the cli builds things like web servers and databases for you. You do not need to set up each part by yourself. The azure developer cli makes updating your web app simple. You can send changes to azure with one command. This way, you can focus on your code and not worry about setup.

Tip: Use the cli to handle different environments for your web app, like development and production. This keeps your work neat and safe.

APIs

You can use the azure developer cli to build and launch APIs. The cli makes the whole process easier. Here is how it helps you:

• You set up the API’s infrastructure with just a few commands.

• The cli works with Azure Deployment Environments, so you can make environments from your local folder.

• You manage your code and infrastructure together, using templates and commands that make things simple.

The azure developer cli lets you use azd to handle special needs for each API. You can test your API in one environment and launch it in another. This makes your work smooth and steady. You do not need to write hard scripts. The cli does the tough parts for you.

Infrastructure as Code

You can use infrastructure as code (iac) to control your azure resources. The azure developer cli helps you use iac by letting you write your setup in files. You use the cli to read these files and build your resources in azure. This way gives you control and lets you do the same thing every time. You can track changes to your setup in source control. The cli works with tools like Bicep and Terraform for iac. You can make, change, or remove infrastructure with easy azd commands. This helps you keep your setup safe and the same each time.

Note: Infrastructure as code with the azure developer cli lets you rebuild your azure setup whenever you want. You save time and avoid mistakes by using iac.

Monitoring in Azure

Logs and Metrics

It is important to keep your cloud apps healthy. The azure developer cli has tools to help you watch your apps in azure. You can use the azd monitor command to check how your app is working. This command shows if your app is healthy and how it performs.

You can use other azure commands for more info:

• Use a dashboard to see logs, traces, and metrics right away.

• Azure Monitor lets you watch your app on your computer or in production.

• Run azd monitor to check your infrastructure.

• Use az monitor activity-log list --resource-group [RG] to see what happened in your resource group.

• Run az monitor metrics list --resource [RESOURCE-ID] to get certain numbers.

Azure gives you many ways to track important things. You can watch:

• Event Hub: How much data moves, delays, and mistakes

• Databricks: Job runs and how clusters are used

• Storage: How many requests and if it is working

• PostgreSQL: Connections and how fast queries are

Tip: Use these tools to find problems early. This helps your azure apps work well.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you might have problems with the azure developer cli. Azure helps you find and fix these problems fast. The cli gives you clear error messages and ways to fix them. Here is a table with common errors and what you can do:

Always check if you installed the azure developer cli the right way. Make sure you are signed in with azd auth login. If you see an error, read the message and follow the steps to fix it.

Note: Keep your cli updated and check logs with azure monitor. This helps you stop bigger problems later.

Integration with DevOps

GitHub Actions

You can use azure developer cli and github actions to automate your cloud work. The cli helps you set up ci/cd fast. First, copy the azd template repo to your computer. Then, run the azd pipeline config command. This command sets up your pipeline and gets your azure resources ready. When you save and push changes to github, the pipeline runs and updates your app on azure. You can check github to see if your deployment worked or if there are problems.

1. Copy the azd template repo from github.

2. Run azd pipeline config to set up your pipeline and get azure resources.

3. Save and push changes to github to start the deployment pipeline.

4. Watch the pipeline on github to see if it works.

The azd pipeline config command works with both github actions and azure devops pipelines. You can set up ci/cd pipelines quickly and keep your cloud projects working well.

Codespaces

You can use github codespaces with azure developer cli to make cloud work easier. Codespaces gives you a ready development space in the cloud. When you make apps with azd templates, github actions workflows are made for you. You get a simple way to set up azure resources and manage them with cli commands.

• You get help for managing azure resources.

• You deploy apps with azd templates.

• You focus on your main work while AI helps in the background.

Team Collaboration

You and your team can work together on cloud projects with azure developer cli. The cli lets you work together in IDEs like Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio. You use cli features right in these tools, making your work smooth and helping your team stay connected.

1. Use azd init to make an app and set up an environment with a sample template.

2. Run azd provision to get the azure resources your app needs.

3. Deploy your app to azure with azd deploy.

4. Check your app’s performance and deployments using azd monitor.

5. Manage ci/cd pipelines with azd pipeline config.

The azure developer cli helps your team share code, handle environments, and keep cloud projects neat. You use github to store code and track changes. You use the cli to deploy and watch your apps on azure. Your team works well and learns new things together.

Learning Resources

Documentation

There are lots of resources to help you learn azure developer cli. The official documentation has guides and videos. These show how the cli works. You learn how to use azd and join the community. The documentation explains how to make azd templates. It tells you what files you need for your project. You get instructions and examples that are easy to follow.

• The introduction video shows the main features and how to use them.

• Guides teach you how to build azd templates and organize folders.

• Community pages let you share ideas and learn from other users.

Tip: Begin with the official documentation. It helps you learn the basics of azure developer cli and azd templates.

Tutorials

Tutorials help you learn by doing. You follow guides that use azure developer cli. These guides show real commands and results in azure. You use the cli to log in, set up resources, and deploy your app. Each step teaches you how azd works and how to manage projects.

1. Log in to azure with azd auth login.

2. Use azd up to set up and deploy your app.

3. Start your project with azd init --template https://github.com/azure-samples/azd-create-storage-account.

4. Type an environment name like azdstorage.

5. Pick your azure location from the list.

6. Choose a storage account type, like Standard_LRS.

7. Watch the deployment and open the azure portal from the link.

You follow these steps to build and launch your app in azure. The cli makes each part simple to understand.

Sample Projects

You can look at sample projects to see how azure developer cli works. These projects use azd templates. They show how to set up web apps, APIs, and storage accounts in azure. You check the code and commands to learn how to use the cli for different tasks.

Note: Try these sample projects to practice using azure developer cli and azd. You learn by doing and see how the cli helps you work with azure.

---

You can get better at cloud development with azure developer cli. You make projects in azure fast. You use azd commands to control resources. The cli lets you put apps online and check how they work. You can work with your team using these tools. Try out different azd templates for your projects. You can also use DevOps tools in azure. You learn new ways to manage cloud projects. This makes your work easier. Azure developer cli helps you have more control. It helps you do well in azure.

Tip: Look at sample projects and use the cli in Visual Studio Code. This helps you get the most from azure developer cli.

FAQ

How do you install azure developer cli?

You get the installer from GitHub. Run the setup file on your computer. After it installs, open your terminal. Type azd version to see if it works. Make sure you have an azure account before you begin.

Can you use azd with Visual Studio Code?

Yes, you can use azd in Visual Studio Code. Install the Remote - Containers extension first. Run cli commands inside the editor. You manage azure resources and deploy apps right there. This makes cloud development simpler for you.

What types of projects can you create with azure developer cli?

You can build web apps, APIs, and infrastructure projects. Use azd templates to start fast. Deploy to azure with easy cli commands. Manage environments for development, testing, and production. Control resources and automate tasks.

How does azd help with team collaboration?

You and your team share code and manage environments with azure developer cli. Use azd to set up pipelines and deploy to azure. Track changes in GitHub. Work together in Visual Studio Code or Codespaces. The cli keeps your cloud work neat.

Tip: Use azd to automate deployments and watch your apps in azure. This helps your team get more done.