The #CloudGuruChallenge created by Gwyn Peña-Siguenza, requires that the use of Microsoft Azure computing resources, to build the API that powers the "counter" functionality of a static website (a resume), to handle the storage of the site's data and its deployment in the cloud.

Why did I participate in the challenge?

Adoption of cloud computing is on the rise and azure happens to be one of the top platforms at the forefront of this movement. I took the challenge in a bid to start a career in cloud computing, and also to receive the perks associated with finishing the challenge.

How did I complete the challenge?

• For the static website, I used the Start Bootstrap Free Resume theme with minor tweaking to the CSS styles.
• Following this guide, I was able to create a serverless API, with an HTTP trigger Azure Functions using Visual Studio Code. I chose an HTTP-trigger, as I would want the App function to be activated every time someone visits my resume site.
• Using the same guide above, I was also able to integrate the database, Azure CosmoDB to the API via bindings. This required that I modified the function.json file as well as the HTTP-trigger function. The database stores the counter variable that gets updated every time the API receives an HTTP GET Request.
• With this how-to guide, I deployed my website to Azure blob storage.

  I had to create a general-purpose V2 account, in order for me to access the static website tab, which is a necessity to completing the deployment setup.

• I enabled custom domain support and HTTPS for the site using Azure CDN. Using this resource made this process quite easy.
• I used this guide to set up Github Actions workflow to automate the deployment of my static website.

Click the link to view the code on Github.

What was the hardest part of the challenge?

The toughest part of the challenge was the integration of Azure CosmoDB to the API, and tackling it required that I delved more into the function.json file.

This also happens to be the part I enjoyed the most in the challenge. I realized how easy it was to create API endpoints using Azure Functions, just by modifying the function.json file. It was an aha moment for me.

What is my biggest takeaway from this challenge?

• One of the best ways to learn is by undertaking challenging tasks. I learned a ton about cloud computing and Azure by partaking in this challenge than by watching online tutorials.
• Serverless computing reduces the stress of web development. Creating APIs using Azure Functions is quite soothing.
• Cloud computing makes the application development process smooth and fast.

  There is nothing new under the sun, there are only better ways of doing things.