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Create an Azure Function

Learn how to create your first Azure Function using various development tools and environments. This guide covers the fundamental steps to get you started with serverless computing on Azure.

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Introduction to Azure Functions Creation

Azure Functions is a serverless compute service that enables you to run small pieces of code, or "functions," in the cloud without explicitly provisioning or managing infrastructure. This guide will walk you through the initial steps of creating a function, focusing on common development workflows.

Whether you prefer a full-featured IDE like Visual Studio, a lightweight editor like Visual Studio Code, the command line, or the Azure Portal, there's a method to suit your needs.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Note: For this guide, we'll primarily focus on creating a simple HTTP-triggered function. Other trigger types will be covered in subsequent documentation.

Create with Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code, along with the Azure Functions extension, provides a streamlined experience for creating and managing functions.

  1. Open Visual Studio Code.
  2. Open the Azure Functions view by clicking the Azure icon in the Activity Bar.
  3. In the Workspace (local) section, click the Create new project... button.
  4. Select a folder for your project and click Select folder.
  5. Choose a language for your function project (e.g., JavaScript, Python, C#).
  6. Select a template for your first function. For this guide, choose HTTP trigger.
  7. Provide a name for your function (e.g., HttpExample).
  8. Choose an authorization level for your HTTP trigger. Anonymous is often used for simple testing.

This will create a new Azure Functions project in your selected folder with the necessary files for your HTTP-triggered function. You can then run it locally.

Example file structure:


.
├── HttpExample
│   ├── __init__.py  // Or your language's entry point file
│   └── function.json
├── .gitignore
├── host.json
├── local.settings.json
└── requirements.txt  // If applicable

Create with Azure CLI

The Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) offers a powerful way to create and manage Azure resources, including Azure Functions projects.

  1. Open your terminal or command prompt.
  2. Navigate to the directory where you want to create your project.
  3. Run the following command to create a new Azure Functions project: 
    
func init MyFunctionProj --worker-runtime node --docker

    Replace MyFunctionProj with your desired project name and node with your preferred runtime (e.g., python, dotnet, powershell).

  4. Navigate into your new project directory: 
    
cd MyFunctionProj
  5. Create a new function within your project: 
    
func new --template "HTTP trigger" --name HttpTriggerExample
Note: Ensure you have the Azure Functions Core Tools installed for the func command to work. You can install them via npm: npm install -g azure-functions-core-tools@4 --unsafe-perm true.

Create with Azure Portal

The Azure Portal provides a visual interface for creating and managing your Azure Functions, suitable for quick setups or learning.

  1. Sign in to the Azure Portal.
  2. Search for "Function App" and select it.
  3. Click Create.
  4. Fill in the required details: Subscription, Resource Group, Function App name, Runtime stack (e.g., Node.js, Python, .NET), and Region.
  5. Click Review + create, then Create.
  6. Once the Function App is deployed, navigate to it.
  7. In the left menu, select Functions, then click Create.
  8. Choose a template (e.g., HTTP trigger).
  9. Configure the function name and authorization level, then click Create.

You can then view and edit the code directly in the portal.

Next Steps

Congratulations on creating your first Azure Function! Here are some recommendations for what to do next: