New Training: Implement Azure Functions

In this 7-video skill, CBT Nuggets trainer Trevor Sullivan explores the world of serverless functions in Microsoft Azure. Gain an understanding of the project structure and how to publish, invoke, and monitor Azure Functions. Watch this new Azure training.

Watch the full course: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

This training includes:

• 7 videos

• 51 minutes of training

You’ll learn these topics in this skill:

• Introduction to Azure Functions

• Creating Your First Azure Function in PowerShell

• Scheduling an Azure Function on a Timer

• Handling Secrets from Azure Functions

• Developing Locally with Azure Functions

• Installing Modules in PowerShell Projects

• Developing JavaScript Functions Locally

How to Create Serverless Functions Without Learning Node

A new trend in application development is deploying applications hosted in serverless environments. This has benefits – like not maintaining a complicated IT infrastructure for simple tasks. Hosting apps in a serverless environment was arguably made popular by Node.JS, a skill that many systems administrators may not have. Azure Functions is a tool that IT admins can use without learning a lick of JavaScript to run apps like this, though.

Azure Functions is a serverless PaaS like AWS Lambda or Heroku. Unlike those services, though, Azure Functions can host and run scripts written in PowerShell. That means that Functions can bring the power of serverless computing to more people.

Why would you want to run a script written in PowerShell in a serverless environment, though? PowerShell is the language of automation for the Windows and Azure spaces. Unlike JavaScript, PowerShell has built-in commands for directly working with these platforms. It's also a powerful scripting language in its own right. By utilizing PowerShell, IT admins can create complex, automated workflows for their business.