π Interactive Learning Platform | β±οΈ Total Time: 3-4 hours | π 11 Enhanced Tutorials
Welcome to the most comprehensive DevOps tutorial series for Microsoft Azure! This isn't just documentationβit's a professional-grade interactive learning experience designed to transform you into a DevOps expert.
- β±οΈ Realistic time estimates for effective learning planning
- β Step-by-step validation with automated testing scripts
- π¨ Comprehensive troubleshooting for independent problem-solving
- π‘ Knowledge checks with quizzes and deep-dive questions
- π Progress tracking with interactive checkboxes
- Real-world scenarios based on actual industry practices
- Security-first approach with best practices throughout
- Modern tool versions (Kubernetes 1.33, Terraform 1.9.8, Python 3.13)
- Production-ready configurations you can use in your organization
- Comprehensive documentation that rivals premium training platforms
Scenario: You've joined a company trapped in legacy infrastructure:
- Bare metal servers consuming resources and creating bottlenecks
- Manual deployments causing delays and human errors
- Outdated IT practices hindering innovation and growth
π― Your Mission: Lead a complete digital transformation using modern DevOps practices, containerization, and cloud-native technologies.
Transform the thomasthornton.cloud application from legacy infrastructure to a cloud-native, containerized, auto-scaling solution with:
- Infrastructure as Code for repeatable, version-controlled deployments
- Container orchestration with Kubernetes for high availability
- Automated CI/CD pipelines for rapid, reliable releases
- Security scanning and compliance automation
- Comprehensive monitoring and observability
π Focus: As a DevOps/Platform Engineer, you're the infrastructure architect and automation specialistβtransforming how applications are deployed, scaled, and maintained.
| Technology | Purpose | Version |
|---|---|---|
| Azure | Cloud platform & services | Latest |
| Terraform | Infrastructure as Code | v1.9.8+ |
| Docker | Containerization | Latest |
| Kubernetes (AKS) | Container orchestration | v1.33 |
| Python | Application runtime | v3.13 |
| GitHub Actions | CI/CD automation | Latest |
| Checkov | Security scanning | v3.2.4+ |
| Terraform-docs | Documentation automation | Latest |
π‘ Pro Tip: Each tutorial includes validation scripts, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge checks for maximum learning effectiveness.
Essential prerequisites for all subsequent tutorials:
- Prerequisites Guide - Complete setup checklist
- Configure Terraform Remote Storage (10-15 min)
- Secure state management for team collaboration
- Create Azure AD Group for AKS Admins (8-12 min)
- Identity management and RBAC foundation
Build production-ready Azure infrastructure with Terraform:
- Create Azure Container Registry (ACR) (15-20 min)
- Secure container image storage with premium features
- Create Azure Virtual Network (VNET) (25-30 min)
- Network segmentation with NSGs and load balancing
- Create Log Analytics Workspace (15-20 min)
- Centralized monitoring and container insights
- Create AKS Cluster with IAM Roles (25-35 min)
- Production-ready Kubernetes with auto-scaling and Azure AD integration
Transform applications into portable, scalable containers:
- Create Docker Image (20-25 min)
- Multi-stage builds with security best practices
- Push Image to ACR (20-25 min)
- Secure image distribution and vulnerability scanning
Deploy and manage applications in production Kubernetes:
- Connect to AKS (10-15 min)
- Cluster authentication and kubectl configuration
- Create Kubernetes Manifest (20-25 min)
- Production-ready deployments with health checks
- Deploy Application to AKS (20-30 min)
- Live application deployment with monitoring
Implement security scanning and compliance:
- Checkov Security Scanning (15-20 min)
- Automated infrastructure security analysis
Implement continuous integration and deployment:
- GitHub Actions CI/CD Pipeline (25-35 min)
- Automated testing, building, and deployment
- Terraform Documentation Automation (20-25 min)
- Auto-generated documentation with GitHub Actions
After each section, validate your understanding:
ποΈ Foundation Knowledge:
- Why is remote state crucial for Terraform team collaboration?
- How does Azure AD integration enhance AKS security?
π³ Containerization Mastery:
- What are the benefits of multi-stage Docker builds?
- How does container registry security impact deployment pipelines?
βΈοΈ Kubernetes Expertise:
- How do health checks improve application reliability?
- What's the difference between Deployments and Services?
π Security Implementation:
- How does static code analysis prevent security vulnerabilities?
- Why is policy-as-code important for compliance?
π DevOps Excellence:
- How do CI/CD pipelines accelerate time-to-market?
- What role does automated documentation play in maintenance?
π― Can you now:
- Deploy infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code?
- Containerize applications with security best practices?
- Manage Kubernetes clusters in production?
- Implement automated security scanning?
- Build CI/CD pipelines for continuous delivery?
- Automate documentation and compliance processes?
- Cloud-native architecture design and implementation
- Infrastructure as Code mastery with Terraform
- Container orchestration expertise with Kubernetes
- DevOps pipeline creation and optimization
- Security automation and compliance practices
- Portfolio projects demonstrating real-world DevOps capabilities
- Industry-standard practices applicable to any organization
- Modern toolchain proficiency in high-demand technologies
- Problem-solving skills through comprehensive troubleshooting experience
- Reduced deployment time from hours to minutes
- Increased reliability through automated testing and monitoring
- Enhanced security with continuous scanning and compliance
- Improved scalability with cloud-native architecture
- Lower operational costs through automation and optimization
This repository contains tutorial content and examples. The GitHub Actions workflows are disabled to prevent accidental execution. To use the CI/CD pipelines:
- Fork this repository to your own GitHub account
- Enable Actions in your forked repository
- Configure secrets as described in the CI/CD tutorial
- Follow the tutorial instructions for deployment
This tutorial uses Azure services that incur costs. Estimated costs:
- Development/Learning: $50-100/month
- Production-equivalent: $200-500/month
Use the Azure Pricing Calculator for accurate estimates.
This isn't just a tutorialβit's your complete transformation into a DevOps professional. Every step is designed to build real-world skills that directly translate to career advancement and organizational impact.
π― Start your journey: Begin with Prerequisites and follow the sequential learning path.
πͺ Challenge yourself: Each tutorial builds on the previous, creating a comprehensive skillset that employers value.
π Join the community: Share your progress, ask questions, and help others on their DevOps journey.
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Terraform - Create all the Azure cloud services needed to run the thomasthornton.cloud application.
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Docker - Containerise the thomasthornton.cloud application and store it in Azure Container Registry (ACR).
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Kubernetes - Deploy application to AKS and expose the thomasthornton.cloud application to the internet.
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Automated Testing Ensure code quality
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CICD - Automatically update AKS cluster with CICD using GitHub Actions
β οΈ Note: The GitHub Actions workflows in this repository are tutorial content only and are disabled to prevent accidental runs. To use them, copy this repository to your own account and follow the instructions in the tutorial. -
Terraform Documentation - Automate Terraform documentation generation
After each section, test your understanding:
- [ ] Can you explain why we're using a remote state for Terraform?
- [ ] What's the significance of containerising the app?
- [ ] How does AKS simplify Kubernetes management?
- [ ] Why is automated testing crucial in a DevOps pipeline?
- [ ] How does CI/CD improve the deployment process?
- [ ] Why is automated documentation important for infrastructure as code?By following this tutorial, you'll not only deploy an example app on Azure but also gain valuable insights into modern DevOps practices and tools.
Let's embark on this journey to transform your organisation into a lean, agile, and competitive force in the digital landscape. Happy deploying! ππ§
By completing this tutorial, you'll:
- Deploy a real-world app on Azure
- Master essential DevOps tools and practices
- Transform your organisation's IT landscape
Are you ready to embark on this DevOps journey? Let's turn that monolithic infrastructure into a lean, mean, deploying machine! πͺπ π£
I value your feedback! If you find any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please open an issue or submit a pull request.
πββοΈ Questions or Issues? Open an issue or submit a pull requestβyour feedback helps improve this learning experience for everyone.
π Found this valuable? Star the repository and share with your network to help others discover this comprehensive DevOps learning platform.
Ready to become a DevOps expert? Let's build the future together! πβ¨