Introduction
Azure Logic Apps is a cloud-based service used to create and run automated workflows without writing heavy code. It is a no-code or low-code platform that helps organizations automate tasks, integrate systems, and connect different applications easily.
Logic Apps is commonly used to build enterprise-level integrations, where multiple systems need to communicate with each other reliably. It is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering, which means Microsoft handles the infrastructure, scaling, and maintenance.
Using Azure Logic Apps, you can connect to various services through built-in connectors such as SharePoint, Oracle, Dropbox, ServiceNow, and Outlook. The service is scalable, secure, and reliable, making it suitable for both simple automations and complex enterprise workflows.
When Should You Use Azure Logic Apps?
Azure Logic Apps is best used when you need to integrate different services and systems without managing servers or infrastructure. Since it is a serverless integration platform, you only focus on designing the workflow while Azure takes care of scaling and availability.
You should consider using Azure Logic Apps in scenarios such as:
- Integrating cloud and on-premises systems
- Automating business processes across multiple applications
- Triggering workflows based on events or schedules
- Handling data movement between systems using connectors
- Building reliable enterprise integrations with minimal code
Core Components of Azure Logic Apps
Azure Logic Apps consists of several components that work together to help you build and run automated workflows. Understanding these core building blocks makes it easier to design, monitor, and troubleshoot workflows effectively.
Logic App Resource
This is the Azure resource where your workflow is created and managed. It contains the workflow definition, settings, and configurations required to run the logic app.
Triggers
Triggers define how a workflow starts. A trigger runs when a specific event occurs, such as receiving an email, an HTTP request, or when a file is uploaded to an FTP server.
Actions
Actions are the steps that execute after the trigger fires. These steps perform operations such as sending an email, calling an API, or inserting data into a database.
Connectors
Connectors allow Azure Logic Apps to connect with external services, both cloud-based and on-premises. Examples include SharePoint, Outlook, ServiceNow, SQL, and many more.
Workflow Definition Language
Logic Apps use a JSON-based workflow definition language behind the scenes. While most workflows can be built using the visual designer, advanced users can directly edit this definition for greater control.
Run History
Run History provides visibility into each workflow execution. It helps track the status of runs, view inputs and outputs, and troubleshoot failures efficiently.
Creating Azure Logic Apps:Consumption vs Standard
Azure Logic Apps can be created using two different plans: Consumption and Standard. While both serve similar purposes, the creation and management experience differs.
How to Create an Azure Logic App (Consumption)
Step 1: Create the Resource
Open the Azure Portal and search for Logic Apps
Click Create and select Consumption
Provide subscription, resource group, name, and region
Click Review + Create
Step 2: Design the Workflow
Open the Logic App
Choose Blank Logic App
Select a trigger (for example, HTTP request)
Add required actions
Save the workflow
Step 3: Test and Monitor
Trigger the workflow
Go to Run History to review execution details
How to Create an Azure Logic App (Standard)
Step 1: Create the Resource
Search for Logic Apps in Azure Portal
Select Standard
Provide resource details, App Service plan, and storage account
Click Review + Create
Step 2: Create a Workflow
Open the Logic App (Standard)
Navigate to Workflows
Add a new workflow (Stateful or Stateless)
Configure trigger and actions
Step 3: Monitor Runs
Open the workflow
Navigate to Runs
Review inputs, outputs, and execution status
Consumption vs Standard: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Consumption | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Serverless | App Service based |
| Pricing | Pay per execution | Fixed plan + executions |
| Workflows | Single | Multiple |
| Execution Type | Stateful | Stateful & Stateless |
| Best For | Simple automations | Enterprise integrations |
Azure Logic Apps provides a powerful and flexible way to build automated workflows and integrations. The Consumption plan works best for lightweight, event-driven scenarios, while the Standard plan is more suitable for enterprise workloads that require greater control and scalability.
Understanding how to create workflows and monitor run history is essential for building reliable and maintainable integration solutions on Azure.
✍️Author Note
Written by an Azure Integration Developer sharing practical, real-world experience.
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