What is Azure Container Apps?

Azure Container Apps is a **serverless container service** that allows you to run **containers** without managing Kubernetes infrastructure.

Why Use Azure Container Apps?

• Serverless Containers: No need to manage Kubernetes clusters.
• Auto-Scaling: Scale based on HTTP requests, CPU, or events.
• Secure & Fully Managed: Integrated with Azure services like **Azure Monitor** and **Azure Key Vault**.
• Event-Driven: Supports Azure Event Grid, Service Bus, and more.
• Cost-Efficient: Pay only for resources used.

Key Features of Azure Container Apps

• Runs **any containerized application**.
• Supports **HTTP-based** and **event-driven** workloads.
• Works with **Dapr** for microservices and event-driven applications.
• Integrates with **Azure DevOps & GitHub Actions**.
• Built-in **load balancing and scaling**.

Setting Up Azure Container Apps

Step 1: Install Azure CLI

az login

Step 2: Create a Resource Group

az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus

Step 3: Enable Azure Container Apps Extension

az extension add --name containerapp --upgrade

Step 4: Create an Azure Container Apps Environment

az containerapp env create --name MyContainerEnv --resource-group MyResourceGroup --location eastus

Deploying a Container to Azure Container Apps

Step 1: Deploy a Sample Container

az containerapp create \
    --name my-container-app \
    --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
    --environment MyContainerEnv \
    --image mcr.microsoft.com/azuredocs/containerapps-helloworld:latest \
    --target-port 80 \
    --ingress external \
    --query properties.configuration.ingress.fqdn

Step 2: Check the Running Container

az containerapp show --name my-container-app --resource-group MyResourceGroup

Scaling Azure Container Apps

Azure Container Apps supports **automatic scaling** based on CPU, memory, and HTTP requests.

Step 1: Set Up Auto-Scaling

az containerapp update \
    --name my-container-app \
    --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
    --min-replicas 1 \
    --max-replicas 5

Step 2: Scale Based on HTTP Requests

az containerapp update \
    --name my-container-app \
    --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
    --scale-rule-name http-scaling \
    --scale-rule-type http \
    --scale-rule-metadata concurrentRequests=50

Deploying a Custom Docker Image

Step 1: Build a Docker Image

docker build -t myapp:latest .

Step 2: Push to Azure Container Registry (ACR)

az acr create --name MyContainerRegistry --resource-group MyResourceGroup --sku Basic

Step 3: Authenticate with ACR

az acr login --name MyContainerRegistry

Step 4: Push the Image

docker tag myapp:latest MyContainerRegistry.azurecr.io/myapp:latest
docker push MyContainerRegistry.azurecr.io/myapp:latest

Step 5: Deploy the Custom Image

az containerapp update \
    --name my-container-app \
    --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
    --image MyContainerRegistry.azurecr.io/myapp:latest

Monitoring Azure Container Apps

az containerapp logs show --name my-container-app --resource-group MyResourceGroup

Securing Azure Container Apps

• Use **Managed Identity** for authentication.
• Store secrets in **Azure Key Vault**.
• Enable **Private Networking**.
• Use **Azure Policy** to enforce security rules.

Deleting an Azure Container App

az containerapp delete --name my-container-app --resource-group MyResourceGroup --yes

Conclusion

Azure Container Apps provide a **fully managed, scalable, and secure** way to run **containerized applications** in a **serverless environment**.

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