Build serverless AI backends with Azure Functions
Intermediate
Developer
Azure Functions
Learn how to use Azure Functions as lightweight serverless compute for AI workloads. Build inference endpoints, event processors, and service integrations that scale automatically with demand.
Learning objectives
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate cold start, scaling, and instance memory trade-offs when choosing between Flex Consumption and Premium hosting for AI workloads
- Set up a local development environment for Azure Functions using Core Tools, emulators, and an IDE
- Create triggers and bindings that implement common AI integration patterns such as HTTP inference endpoints and queue-based batch processors
- Configure secrets management and application settings using Key Vault references and Azure App Configuration
- Apply managed identity and function-level authorization to secure access between Functions and other Azure resources
Prerequisites
Before beginning this module, you should have:
- Programming experience with languages such as Python, JavaScript, or C#.
- Basic understanding of Azure services and cloud computing concepts.
- Familiarity with REST APIs and event-driven programming patterns.