Azure Deployment Guide

Prerequisites

Before beginning the deployment process, ensure you have the following ready:

• An active Azure account with an active subscription.
• A GitHub account with access to the infinity-decoder/labs.dev repository.
• Administrative privileges on both platforms to create resources and manage webhooks.

Create Azure Web App

First, we need to provision the hosting environment in Azure.

1. Log in to the Azure Portal.
2. Search for and select App Services, then click Create > Web App.
3. Basics Tab:
   • Select your Subscription and a Resource Group (or create a new one).
   • Provide a globally unique Name for your app (e.g., labs-dev-app).
   • Publish: Select Code.
   • Runtime stack: Choose the stack matching your project (e.g., Node.js, Python, .NET).
   • Operating System: Select Linux or Windows.
   • Region: Choose the closest region to your user base.
4. Configure the App Service Plan (pricing tier) based on your needs.
5. Click Review + create, validate your settings, and click Create. Wait for the deployment to complete.

Configure CI/CD Pipeline

Now, link your GitHub repository to the Azure Web App to enable automated deployments.

1. Navigate to your newly created Web App resource in the Azure Portal.
2. In the left-hand navigation menu under Deployment, click on Deployment Center.
3. Under the Settings tab, locate the Source dropdown and select GitHub.
4. If you haven't already, authorize Azure App Service to access your GitHub account.
5. Fill in the repository details:
   • Organization: infinity-decoder
   • Repository: labs.dev
   • Branch: Select your main deployment branch (usually main or master).
6. Azure will automatically generate a GitHub Actions workflow file preview. Review the configuration.
7. Click Save at the top. This action will commit the workflow file directly to your GitHub repository and trigger the first deployment.

Monitor & Verify Deployment

Track the progress of your deployment and verify the live application.

1. Go to your GitHub repository: github.com/infinity-decoder/labs.dev.
2. Click on the Actions tab.
3. You should see a new workflow run triggered by the commit from Azure. Click on it to watch the build and deploy stages.
4. Once the workflow completes successfully (green checkmark), return to the Azure Portal.
5. On your Web App's Overview page, click the Default domain link (or the Browse button) to view your live web app.