Description

Hands-on Challenge Day - Deploying with Docker on Azure App Service

Introduction

Embracing Containerization and Cloud Services

In the modern era of software development, containerization has become a key strategy for deploying applications quickly, reliably, and consistently across various environments. Docker, a leading containerization platform, packages applications and their dependencies into containers, ensuring that they work seamlessly in any environment. Microsoft Azure App Service provides a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web apps, offering seamless integration with Docker containers.

Why Docker on Azure App Service?

Deploying Docker containers on Azure App Service simplifies the process of managing and scaling web applications. It combines the benefits of containerization—such as isolation, quick deployment, and scalability—with the powerful features of Azure App Service, including automated deployments, auto-scaling, and integration with Azure DevOps.

Challenge Scenario

"QuickDeliver Inc.", a startup specializing in delivery tracking software, has developed a web application to improve logistics operations. Their application has grown in popularity, and they need to scale their deployment quickly while maintaining high availability. They've decided to leverage Docker for containerization and Azure App Service for cloud deployment to meet their needs.

Problem Statement: QuickDeliver Inc. faces challenges with deploying updates and scaling their application efficiently to handle increased load.

Your Mission: Deploy QuickDeliver Inc.'s web application as a Docker container on Azure App Service, ensuring the solution is scalable, resilient, and easy to update.

Challenge: Deploying a Dockerized Web Application on Azure App Service

Requirements:

1. Azure Account: Access to a Microsoft Azure account.
2. Docker: Knowledge of Docker and containerization concepts.
3. Sample Web Application: A simple Python Flask web application.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Web Application:

   • Create a simple Flask application for QuickDeliver Inc.

   **app.py:**

   from flask import Flask
   app = Flask(__name__)
   
   @app.route('/')
   def home():
       return 'Welcome to QuickDeliver Tracking Software!'
   
   if __name__ == '__main__':
       app.run(debug=True, host='0.0.0.0', port=80)
   
   

   Dockerfile:

   # Use an official Python runtime as a parent image
   FROM python:3.8-slim
   
   # Set the working directory in the container
   WORKDIR /app
   
   # Copy the current directory contents into the container at /app
   COPY . /app
   
   # Install any needed packages specified in requirements.txt
   RUN pip install --no-cache-dir Flask
   
   # Make port 80 available to the world outside this container
   EXPOSE 80
   
   # Define environment variable
   ENV NAME QuickDeliver
   
   # Run app.py when the container launches
   CMD ["python", "app.py"]
   
   

2. Build and Push the Docker Image:

   • Build your Docker image and push it to Azure Container Registry or Docker Hub.

   docker build -t quickdeliverapp .
   docker tag quickdeliverapp <your_registry>/quickdeliverapp:latest
   docker push <your_registry>/quickdeliverapp:latest
   
   

3. Create Azure App Service Plan and Web App:

   • Use the Azure CLI to create an App Service plan and a Web App configured to run Docker containers.

   az group create --name QuickDeliverResourceGroup --location eastus
   az appservice plan create --name QuickDeliverAppServicePlan --resource-group QuickDeliverResourceGroup --is-linux --sku B1
   az webapp create --resource-group QuickDeliverResourceGroup --plan QuickDeliverAppServicePlan --name <unique_app_name> --deployment-container-image-name <your_registry>/quickdeliverapp:latest