Deploy Azure Functions with Visual Studio Code

This tutorial will guide you through the process of developing and deploying Azure Functions using Visual Studio Code. Azure Functions is a serverless compute service that enables you to run code on-demand without provisioning or managing infrastructure.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:

• Visual Studio Code
• Azure Functions Core Tools (v3.x or later recommended)
• An Azure Subscription

You can install the Azure Functions extension for Visual Studio Code from the VS Code Marketplace. This extension provides a rich development experience for Azure Functions.

Step 1: Create a New Function Project

Open Visual Studio Code and use the Azure Functions extension to create a new project.

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P).
2. Type and select Azure Functions: Create New Project....
3. Choose a folder location for your project.
4. Select a language for your function project (e.g., JavaScript, C#, Python).
5. Select a template for your first function (e.g., HTTP Trigger).
6. Provide a name for your function.
7. Choose an authorization level for the HTTP trigger (e.g., Anonymous, Function, Admin).

Step 2: Write Your Function Code

The extension will generate a basic project structure with a default function file. You can now write your function logic.

For an HTTP trigger in JavaScript, the `index.js` file might look like this:

module.exports = async function (context, req) {
    context.log('JavaScript HTTP trigger function processed a request.');

    const name = (req.query.name || (req.body && req.body.name));
    const responseMessage = name
        ? "Hello, " + name + ". This HTTP triggered function executed successfully."
        : "This HTTP triggered function executed successfully. Pass a name in the query string or in the request body for a personalized response.";

    context.res = {
        status: 200, /* Defaults to 200 */
        body: responseMessage
    };
};

Step 3: Run Your Function Locally

You can test your function locally before deploying it to Azure.

1. Press F5 to start the Azure Functions host.
2. The output will show the URL for your HTTP trigger.
3. Open a web browser or use a tool like cURL to access the function URL.

Step 4: Deploy to Azure

Once your function is ready, you can deploy it to your Azure subscription.

1. Open the Azure extension view in Visual Studio Code.
2. Sign in to your Azure account if you haven't already.
3. Navigate to the "Functions" section.
4. Click the "Deploy to Function App..." button (folder with an upward arrow icon).
5. Select your function app from the list or choose to create a new one.
6. Confirm the deployment when prompted.

After deployment, the extension will provide you with the URL of your deployed function.

Step 5: Manage Your Function App

You can manage your deployed function app through the Azure portal or the VS Code Azure extension. This includes monitoring executions, checking logs, and configuring settings.

Viewing Logs

To view live logs of your function executions:

1. In the Azure Functions extension, find your function app.
2. Right-click on your function app and select Open Logs.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to develop and deploy Azure Functions using Visual Studio Code. This streamlined workflow allows for rapid iteration and deployment of your serverless applications.

For more advanced topics such as bindings, triggers, and deployment slots, please refer to the official Azure Functions documentation.