Ever wondered why Azure App Service and Azure Functions sound similar but are used differently? Letโs break it down in simple words.
- ASP.NET Core Web App in App Service
When you deploy a web app to App Service, you donโt think about servers.
Azure takes care of servers, scaling, patching, and updates.
You just get a URL like:
https://myapp.azurewebsites.net.
Example: App Service = Renting a house. The house is always available. Azure maintains it for you.
- Azure Functions
Another way to run your code in the cloud.
It is โserverlessโ โ meaning you donโt manage or see the servers.
Your code runs only when triggered (HTTP call, timer, queue message, etc.).
You pay only when your function runs.
Example: Function App = Staying in a hotel room. You only pay when you use it.
- Why do Functions talk about servers?
Because people misunderstand โserverless.โ
There are still servers, but Azure gives them only when needed.
Once your code runs, Azure releases them.
Thatโs why the term serverless is explained so often.
- Main Difference
App Service (Web App): A Flat that is always ready, even if no one visits.
Function App (Serverless): Hotel room you use only when needed.
โ Summary:
Both App Service and Function App run on servers.
App Service = always running.
Function App = runs only on demand.
When to use what?
E-commerce applications (frequently used): App Service.
Batch jobs / scheduled tasks: Azure Functions.
Note: Functions are also great for APIs, event-driven tasks, and queue processing.
Whatโs one scenario in your projects where you used Azure Functions instead of App Service?
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