Deploying to Azure App Services

This document provides a comprehensive guide to deploying your applications to Azure App Services. Azure App Service is a fully managed platform that enables you to build, deploy, and scale web apps, mobile back ends, and other APIs. It's designed for rapid development and can be used with .NET, .NET Core, Java, Node.js, Python, or PHP.

Deployment Methods

Azure App Services supports a variety of deployment methods, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your workflow and development environment.

1. Git Deployment

Deploy directly from a Git repository (local or remote like GitHub, Bitbucket, or Azure Repos). This is a common and highly integrated method.

Steps:

  1. Create an Azure App Service.
  2. Configure the deployment source in the App Service's Deployment Center.
  3. Connect to your Git repository.
  4. Commit changes to your repository to trigger an automatic deployment.

Example Command (Azure CLI):

az webapp deployment source config-local-git --name  --resource-group

2. FTP/FTPS Deployment

Use FTP or FTPS to transfer your application files directly to the App Service file system. This method is useful for quick deployments or when other automated methods aren't suitable.

Steps:

  1. Obtain FTP credentials from your App Service's Deployment Center or Properties blade.
  2. Use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP) to connect to your App Service.
  3. Upload your application files to the /site/wwwroot directory.

3. Local Git Deployment

Set up a local Git repository and push changes directly to your App Service.

Steps:

  1. Enable Git deployment on your App Service and obtain the Git remote URL and credentials.
  2. Initialize a Git repository in your local project folder (if not already done).
  3. Add the App Service Git URL as a remote: git remote add azure
  4. Commit your changes and push to the Azure remote: git push azure master

4. CI/CD Pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins)

Integrate your deployment with a Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for automated builds, tests, and deployments.

Steps:

  1. Configure your CI/CD tool to build your application.
  2. Set up a deployment task that targets your Azure App Service.
  3. Provide necessary Azure service connection details (e.g., service principal).
  4. Your pipeline will automatically deploy upon successful builds or merges.

Example (Azure DevOps YAML snippet):

- task: AzureWebApp@1
  displayName: 'Deploy to Azure App Service'
  inputs:
    azureSubscription: ''
    appType: 'webAppLinux' # or 'webApp' for Windows
    appName: ''
    package: '$(Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory)/**/*.zip'

5. Deployment Slots

Use deployment slots to stage new versions of your application. You can deploy to a staging slot, test it, and then swap it into production with zero downtime.

Steps:

  1. Create a deployment slot from your App Service overview.
  2. Deploy your application to the staging slot using any of the methods above.
  3. Test the staging slot thoroughly.
  4. Swap the staging slot with the production slot.

Choosing the Right Deployment Method

The best deployment method depends on your project's complexity, team workflow, and desired level of automation:

  • Simple projects / quick updates: FTP/FTPS, local Git.
  • Version control integration: Git deployment (GitHub, Azure Repos, Bitbucket).
  • Automated workflows and robust pipelines: CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
  • Zero-downtime deployments: Deployment slots in conjunction with other methods.

Key Considerations

  • Deployment Package: Ensure your application is packaged correctly (e.g., as a ZIP file, WAR file, or Docker image).
  • Build Process: If you're not using a CI/CD pipeline that handles builds, you might need to build your application locally before deployment.
  • Configuration: Manage application settings and connection strings through App Service Application Settings or Key Vault.
  • Zero Downtime: Leverage deployment slots for seamless production updates.
  • Troubleshooting: Utilize App Service logs and Kudu tools for debugging deployment issues.

Related Resources