Azure Resource Manager Templates

1. Introduction

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates are JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) files that define the infrastructure and configuration for your Azure solutions. They enable you to deploy and manage resources consistently and repeatedly.

2. Key Concepts

3. Template Structure

An ARM template is divided into several sections:

1. $schema: Defines the version of the JSON schema.
2. contentVersion: Specifies the template version.
3. parameters: Defines the inputs to the template.
4. variables: Stores values that can be reused.
5. resources: Describes the resources to be deployed.
6. outputs: Provides output values after deployment.

Example ARM Template

{
    "$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentTemplate.json#",
    "contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
    "parameters": {
        "vmName": {
            "type": "string",
            "defaultValue": "myVM"
        }
    },
    "resources": [
        {
            "type": "Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines",
            "apiVersion": "2021-03-01",
            "name": "[parameters('vmName')]",
            "location": "[resourceGroup().location]",
            "properties": {
                "hardwareProfile": {
                    "vmSize": "Standard_DS1_v2"
                }
            }
        }
    ]
}

4. Creating Templates

To create an ARM template:

1. Define the resources you need in the resources section.
2. Parameterize your template for flexibility.
3. Use variables to simplify your templates.
4. Validate your template using Azure CLI or Azure Portal.
5. Deploy your template using Azure CLI or Azure PowerShell.

5. Best Practices

• Use parameter files to separate configuration from template logic.
• Keep your templates modular for easier management.
• Utilize version control systems (like Git) for tracking changes.
• Document your templates for future reference.

6. FAQ