Microsoft Azure Learning Path for 2024

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services for building, deploying, and managing applications. Here’s a structured learning path to master Microsoft Azure in 2024:

1. Introduction to Cloud Computing

• Understanding Cloud Computing:
  • Basics of cloud computing.
  • Types of cloud services: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
  • Cloud deployment models: Public, Private, Hybrid.

2. Getting Started with Microsoft Azure

• Introduction to Azure:
  • Overview of Microsoft Azure.
  • Azure global infrastructure.
  • Creating a free Azure account.
• Azure Portal:
  • Navigating the Azure portal.
  • Understanding Azure Resource Manager (ARM).

3. Core Azure Services

• Compute Services:
  • Virtual Machines (VMs).
  • Azure App Services.
  • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Storage Services:
  • Azure Blob Storage.
  • Azure Files.
  • Azure Disk Storage.
• Networking Services:
  • Azure Virtual Network (VNet).
  • Azure Load Balancer.
  • Azure Application Gateway.

4. Data and Databases

• Azure SQL Database:
  • Setting up and managing Azure SQL databases.
• Azure Cosmos DB:
  • Working with a globally distributed database.
• Azure Data Lake:
  • Big data storage and analytics.

5. Identity and Access Management

• Azure Active Directory (AAD):
  • Managing users and groups.
  • Implementing single sign-on (SSO).
  • Role-based access control (RBAC).

6. Security and Compliance

• Azure Security Center:
  • Monitoring and managing security.
• Azure Key Vault:
  • Managing secrets, keys, and certificates.
• Compliance:
  • Understanding Azure compliance offerings.

7. Azure DevOps

• Introduction to Azure DevOps:
  • Azure DevOps Services overview.
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):
  • Setting up CI/CD pipelines with Azure Pipelines.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC):
  • Using ARM templates and Azure Bicep.
  • Introduction to Terraform with Azure.

8. Machine Learning and AI

• Azure Machine Learning:
  • Building and deploying machine learning models.
• Cognitive Services:
  • Using pre-built AI services.
• Azure Bot Service:
  • Creating and deploying chatbots.

9. Monitoring and Management

• Azure Monitor:
  • Monitoring applications and infrastructure.
• Azure Log Analytics:
  • Analyzing and querying logs.
• Azure Automation:
  • Automating repetitive tasks.

10. Serverless Computing

• Azure Functions:
  • Building and deploying serverless applications.
• Azure Logic Apps:
  • Creating automated workflows.

11. Cost Management and Optimization

• Azure Cost Management:
  • Monitoring and controlling Azure spending.
• Azure Reservations and Savings Plans:
  • Reducing costs with reservations and savings plans.

12. Certifications and Exam Preparation

• Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900):
  • Basic understanding of Azure services and concepts.
• Azure Administrator (AZ-104):
  • Managing Azure resources and services.
• Azure Developer (AZ-204):
  • Developing solutions for Azure.
• Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305):
  • Designing Azure infrastructure solutions.
• Specialty Certifications:
  • Focused certifications like Azure Security Engineer, Data Engineer, AI Engineer, etc.

Resources

• Official Documentation: Microsoft Azure Documentation
• Practice Labs:
  • Use platforms like Microsoft Learn Sandbox, A Cloud Guru, and Cloud Academy for hands-on practice.

By following this learning path, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Azure and be well-prepared to leverage its services for various cloud computing needs in 2024 and beyond.