What is Serverless Compute?
Serverless doesn’t mean “no servers” — it means you don’t manage the servers.
Azure runs your code or workflows on-demand, scaling automatically, and you pay only for execution time.
Azure Functions
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Event-driven code (runs when triggered).
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Supports multiple languages: C#, Python, JavaScript, PowerShell, etc.
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Common triggers: HTTP requests, timer schedules, queue messages, blob uploads.
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Best for small, reusable pieces of logic.
Use Cases:
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Process a file when uploaded to Blob Storage.
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Run scheduled cleanup tasks.
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Lightweight APIs or backend logic.
Logic Apps
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Workflow automation tool — designed for integration.
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Uses a visual designer (no-code/low-code).
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Comes with hundreds of built-in connectors (e.g., Outlook, SharePoint, Salesforce, Twitter).
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Best for business process automation and integrations.
Use Cases:
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Send approval email when a file is uploaded.
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Integrate Azure services with external SaaS apps.
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Automate notifications, reporting, and workflows.
Functions vs Logic Apps
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Azure Functions = custom code for developers.
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Logic Apps = workflow automation for IT/business users.
Exam trick: If the question says “developer writing custom logic” → Azure Functions. If it says “automate workflows with connectors” → Logic Apps.
Confusion Buster 🚨
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Functions = code-based, flexible, “glue logic.”
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Logic Apps = drag-and-drop workflows, built-in integrations.
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Both can integrate with each other (Logic App can call a Function).
Simple Example
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A hospital system uses a Logic App to send an email alert when a patient record is updated in Dynamics CRM.
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The Logic App then calls an Azure Function to run a script that formats the data before storing it in SQL.
Exam Tip
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If you see “event-driven code”, it’s Functions.
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If you see “workflow automation with connectors”, it’s Logic Apps.
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If a question mentions “low-code solution for automation”, pick Logic Apps.
What to Expect in the Exam
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Direct Q: “Which service allows developers to run code in response to events?” → Azure Functions.
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Scenario: “Company wants to integrate Salesforce with Outlook and SharePoint using drag-and-drop automation.” → Logic Apps.
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Trick Q: “Logic Apps require you to write C# or Python code.” (False — it’s low-code/no-code).