AZ-204 Study Guide: Build and Deploy Solutions with Microsoft Azure

AZ-204 Study Guide: Build and Deploy Solutions with Microsoft Azure

The AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure certification is designed for developers who are responsible for building cloud-based applications and services using Microsoft Azure. It is a crucial step for professionals who want to validate their skills in developing end-to-end solutions within Azure environments. This exam measures your ability to accomplish various technical tasks such as developing Azure compute solutions, implementing Azure security, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure solutions, and connecting to and consuming Azure services and third-party services.

Who Should Take the AZ-204 Exam

The AZ-204 exam is tailored for developers with at least one year of experience in Microsoft Azure and a strong foundation in coding. It is ideal for professionals such as System Engineers, Network Engineers, Cloud Administrators, Cloud Solution Architects, and other Cloud Computing professionals. Even those who are new to Azure but have a basic understanding of development and cloud concepts can benefit from preparing for this certification.

Eligibility Criteria and Prerequisites

To be eligible for the AZ-204 exam, candidates should have:

  • A minimum of one year of hands-on experience in developing scalable solutions in Microsoft Azure

  • Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language supported by Azure

  • Passed the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate certification exam

Although not mandatory, it is beneficial for candidates to have experience in database and cloud administration, as well as client collaboration. For those targeting more advanced roles, considering the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams for the Azure Solution Architect certification is recommended.

Exam Overview and Format

The AZ-204 exam is currently in its beta stage and is available in English. The exam format includes performance-based questions, multiple-choice questions, and multiple-answer questions. The registration cost for the exam is approximately USD 165. The exam evaluates skills across five primary areas:

  • Developing Azure compute solutions

  • Developing for Azure storage

  • Implementing Azure security

  • Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure solutions

  • Connecting to and consuming Azure services and third-party services

Benefits of Earning the AZ-204 Certification

Earning the AZ-204 certification provides numerous professional benefits. It validates your ability to design and build cloud applications and services. Certified professionals are equipped with the skills to deploy App Services, implement secure and scalable solutions, build message-based architectures, and integrate event-based solutions.

Key Skills You Will Learn

By preparing for and passing the AZ-204 exam, candidates will gain expertise in the following areas:

Implementing Azure Functions

You will learn to create serverless compute using Azure Functions and manage their triggers and bindings efficiently.

Creating Azure App Service Web Apps

You will be able to build and configure web applications using the Azure App Service platform, manage deployment slots, and scale applications.

Developing Solutions That Use Blob Storage

The course will teach how to work with Azure Blob Storage, including uploading, downloading, and managing blobs.

Implementing IaaS Solutions

You will gain experience deploying and managing virtual machines, using custom scripts, and implementing scale sets.

Implementing User Authentication and Authorization

Candidates will learn to integrate Azure Active Directory and use role-based access control (RBAC) to secure their applications.

Implementing API Management

You will become skilled in publishing APIs, managing API versions, and applying policies for securing APIs.

Implementing Secure Cloud Solutions

The course teaches you how to secure data using encryption, certificates, and managed identities.

Developing Message-Based Solutions

You will understand how to use Azure Service Bus, Event Grid, and Event Hubs to build distributed systems.

Working with Cosmos DB Storage

Learn how to create and manage databases using Cosmos DB and perform CRUD operations using the SDKs.

Creating App Service Logic Apps

You will become familiar with building automated workflows and integrating various services through Logic Apps.

Developing Event-Based Solutions

Understand the use of event-driven architecture to trigger actions in response to events within your applications.

Monitoring and Optimizing Azure Solutions

You will learn to use Application Insights and Azure Monitor to track performance and optimize your solutions.

Integrating Content Delivery

Gain the knowledge to use Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN) to improve performance and user experience.

Understanding the Role of Azure Cloud Developers

Azure cloud developers are responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining cloud-based applications. Their role includes collaborating with database administrators, cloud architects, and clients to ensure the successful implementation of cloud solutions. Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing Azure resources using CLI and SDKs like C#

  • Building scalable and maintainable applications

  • Ensuring application security and performance

Understanding these roles helps set the right expectations for what the certification entails and how it can influence your career path.

Using CLI and C# SDKs to Manage Azure

Managing Azure resources is a critical component of the AZ-204 exam. Although in-depth knowledge of the entire CLI is not required, you should understand how to perform essential tasks using CLI commands and C# SDKs. This includes creating and managing resources, deploying applications, and setting up monitoring and logging.

Importance of Programming Expertise

Proficiency in programming languages like C#, Python, or JavaScript is essential for candidates preparing for the AZ-204 exam. The ability to write and debug code is crucial in implementing solutions and resolving issues within the Azure environment. Strong programming skills also allow for more effective integration of services and customization of application logic.

Troubleshooting and Application Performance

Troubleshooting is a vital skill for any Azure developer. The AZ-204 exam ensures that candidates can identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and application issues. Knowledge of caching mechanisms, error handling, and logging practices is necessary to maintain the performance and reliability of cloud applications.

Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the AZ-204 exam involves a combination of hands-on practice, studying documentation, and using available training materials. Key tips include:

  • Set up an Azure subscription and use the portal regularly

  • Practice creating and managing resources using CLI and SDKs

  • Work through case studies and real-world scenarios.

  • Take mock exams to get familiar with the format.

  • Review each topic area and ensure understanding of the core concept.s

Certification Validity and Renewal

The AZ-204 certification is valid for one year. Microsoft requires certified professionals to renew their certification annually by passing a free online assessment that focuses on updates and changes in Azure technologies. Staying up to date ensures that your skills remain relevant in the ever-evolving cloud landscape.

Career Opportunities After Certification

The AZ-204 certification opens doors to various roles within cloud and software development. Certified professionals are qualified for positions such as:

  • Azure Developer

  • Cloud Developer

  • Software Engineer

  • Solutions Architect

With the increasing demand for cloud skills in the job market, holding a certification like AZ-204 can significantly boost your career trajectory.

The AZ-204 certification is a vital credential for developers looking to validate their skills in creating solutions within Microsoft Azure. With a clear understanding of the exam format, required skills, and preparation strategies, candidates can successfully earn the certification and advance their careers in cloud development. The next parts of this guide will provide deeper insights into each of the skill areas tested in the AZ-204 exam, offering a thorough understanding and practical knowledge required for success.

Deep Dive into Developing Azure Compute Solutions

Azure Compute refers to the hosting model and services that allow you to run your applications in the cloud. Understanding Azure Compute is essential for the AZ-204 exam, as it encompasses services like Azure App Services, Azure Functions, and virtual machines.

Creating Azure App Service Web Apps

Azure App Service is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering that enables developers to host web applications, RESTful APIs, and mobile backends. App Service supports multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, Python, and PHP.

To create an App Service Web App, you should understand how to:

  • Create and configure App Service plans
  • Deploy and manage web apps
  • Implement deployment slots
  • Scale applications manually or automatically
  • Configure custom domains and SSL bindings

Implementing Azure Functions

Azure Functions provide a serverless compute option that allows developers to execute event-driven code without managing infrastructure. These are ideal for lightweight tasks like data processing, real-time file analysis, and sending notifications.

Important concepts include:

  • Triggers and bindings
  • Function apps and scaling options
  • Integrating with other Azure services
  • Managing application settings and secrets

Deploying Virtual Machines

Although Azure Functions and App Services handle many workloads, some solutions require full control over the environment, making Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) necessary.

Key topics include:

  • Creating and configuring VMs
  • Managing VM extensions and custom scripts
  • Implementing VM scale sets
  • Automating deployment with ARM templates

Developing for Azure Storage

Azure Storage is fundamental for building scalable and secure cloud applications. The AZ-204 exam focuses on Blob Storage, Table Storage, Queue Storage, and Azure Files.

Working with Azure Blob Storage

Blob Storage is optimized for storing large amounts of unstructured data such as images, videos, and logs.

Tasks include:

  • Uploading and downloading blobs
  • Working with blob containers
  • Managing metadata and properties
  • Using shared access signatures (SAS) for secure access

Using Azure Table Storage

Table Storage is a NoSQL key-value store designed for high availability and scalability.

You should know how to:

  • Create and manage tables
  • Insert, update, and delete entities
  • Query data using OData syntax

Implementing Azure Queue Storage

Queue Storage provides messaging capabilities between application components.

Skills required:

  • Creating and managing queues
  • Adding and retrieving messages
  • Deleting and peeking at messages
  • Implementing message-based communication patterns

Using Azure Files

Azure Files offers fully managed file shares accessible via the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

Key actions:

  • Creating file shares
  • Managing access using Azure Active Directory and shared keys
  • Mounting file shares to virtual machines

Implementing Azure Security

Security is a major concern in cloud development. Azure offers a range of tools and practices to secure applications, services, and data.

Implementing Authentication and Authorization

Azure provides identity services through Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Understanding how to integrate authentication and enforce authorization is crucial.

You need to:

  • Implement Azure AD authentication in web and API apps
  • Configure app roles and role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Use managed identities to access other Azure services

Secure App Configuration

Security also involves protecting app configurations and secrets.

Recommended practices:

  • Store sensitive data in Azure Key Vault
  • Use App Service Environment (ASE) for isolation
  • Implement environment-specific configurations

Using Claims-Based Identity

Claims-based identity enables applications to make access decisions based on user attributes.

Steps include:

  • Extracting claims from tokens
  • Using claims for authorization decisions
  • Customizing claims in tokens

Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Optimizing Azure Solutions

Operational excellence in the cloud requires comprehensive monitoring and the ability to quickly diagnose and fix issues.

Using Application Insights

Application Insights is a powerful tool for monitoring live applications.

Skills include:

  • Setting up telemetry collection
  • Analyzing performance metrics
  • Creating custom telemetry
  • Using Application Map and Smart Detection

Working with Azure Monitor

Azure Monitor collects and analyzes performance metrics and logs from various Azure resources.

Key activities:

  • Setting up metric alerts
  • Creating dashboards for visualization
  • Querying logs with Kusto Query Language (KQL)

Implementing Logging and Error Handling

Effective logging and error management help in identifying issues early.

Best practices:

  • Implement try-catch blocks
  • Log meaningful error messages
  • Use structured logging

Troubleshooting Performance Issues

Optimizing application performance is essential for delivering a good user experience.

Optimization techniques:

  • Load testing and performance profiling
  • Caching data using Azure Cache for Redis
  • Minimizing network latency and improving database queries

Connecting to and Consuming Azure Services and Third-Party Services

Modern cloud solutions often rely on a mix of Azure and third-party services.

Implementing Azure API Management

API Management allows you to publish, secure, and analyze APIs.

Skills include:

  • Creating API gateways
  • Applying policies for rate limiting and transformation
  • Managing API revisions and versions

Working with Azure Logic Apps

Logic Apps provide a no-code/low-code way to build workflows.

Key actions:

  • Creating workflows with triggers and actions
  • Integrating with Microsoft and third-party services
  • Implementing conditionals and loops in workflows

Using Event Grid and Event Hubs

These services support event-based and streaming architectures.

Event Grid:

  • Subscribing to Azure resource events
  • Triggering actions based on events

Event Hubs:

  • Capturing streaming data
  • Building telemetry ingestion pipelines

Best Practices for AZ-204 Exam Preparation

Preparing effectively for the AZ-204 exam requires strategic planning and consistent effort.

Create a Study Plan

Divide the syllabus into manageable sections and assign timelines to each topic. Allocate time for revision and mock tests.

Get Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is invaluable. Set up an Azure subscription and build sample projects covering all key areas.

Use Official Documentation

Rely on official documentation to understand services deeply and stay updated with the latest features and changes.

Take Practice Tests

Mock exams simulate the actual exam environment and help identify knowledge gaps. Focus on improving your weak areas.

Join Study Groups

Engaging with peers allows you to share resources, discuss doubts, and gain insights from others’ experiences.

Advanced Deployment and Integration in Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure enables developers to build and deploy robust cloud-native applications. Advanced deployment and integration techniques play a critical role in managing modern enterprise-grade solutions. The AZ-204 certification exam emphasizes the ability to build resilient, scalable, and well-integrated systems. This part delves into advanced deployment strategies, DevOps integration, hybrid environments, and containerized deployments.

Deploying Resources with ARM Templates

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates provide a declarative way to define and deploy Azure infrastructure. Templates allow consistent and repeatable deployments, ideal for infrastructure as code (IaC).

Key concepts include:

  • Template schema and structure

  • Parameters and variables

  • Nested templates and linked templates

  • Deployment modes: incremental and complete

  • Using ARM templates with Azure DevOps

Deploying with Bicep

Bicep is a domain-specific language (DSL) for deploying Azure resources and serves as a more readable alternative to JSON-based ARM templates.

Skills required:

  • Understanding Bicep syntax and modules

  • Compiling Bicep to ARM templates

  • Reusing and referencing Bicep modules

  • Deploying Bicep files using Azure CLI

Using Azure CLI and PowerShell for Deployment

Scripting deployments ensures flexibility and automates repetitive tasks. The AZ-204 exam tests your ability to manage deployments using Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell.

Important areas:

  • Creating and managing resource groups

  • Deploying individual and multiple resources

  • Automating deployments with scripts

  • Handling parameter files and output values

Implementing Containerized Solutions

Containers encapsulate applications and their dependencies, making them portable and consistent across environments. Azure provides several services for container management.

Creating and Managing Azure Container Instances (ACI)

ACI offers a quick and easy way to run containers without managing servers.

Steps include:

  • Defining container configurations

  • Running containers on demand

  • Managing environment variables and volumes

  • Using YAML to define container groups

Deploying with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

AKS is a managed Kubernetes service that simplifies the deployment, management, and operations of Kubernetes clusters.

Skills include:

  • Creating AKS clusters

  • Deploying pods, services, and deployments

  • Scaling clusters and workloads

  • Managing ingress controllers

  • Securing AKS with RBAC and Azure AD integration

Using Docker for Local Development

Docker plays a vital role in local development environments, especially before deploying to ACI or AKS.

Key tasks:

  • Writing Dockerfiles for app images

  • Building and running containers locally

  • Using Docker Compose for multi-container apps.

  • Testing containers before pushing to Azure Container Registry

Building Serverless and Event-Driven Architectures

Serverless computing simplifies deployment by removing the need to manage infrastructure. Azure provides services like Azure Functions, Event Grid, Logic Apps, and Service Bus.

Implementing Durable Functions

Durable Functions extend Azure Functions with capabilities for managing state, orchestration, and long-running workflows.

You should be able to:

  • Create orchestrator, activity, and client functions

  • Chain function executions

  • Fan-out/fan-in scenarios

  • Implement error handling and retries.

Integrating with Event Grid

Event Grid enables event-based programming by distributing events from Azure services or custom sources.

Key concepts:

  • Creating custom topics and event subscriptions

  • Filtering events by subject or type

  • Handling events using Azure Functions or Logic Apps

  • Managing delivery and retry policies

Using Azure Service Bus

Service Bus provides enterprise-grade messaging capabilities with support for queues and topics.

Essential skills:

  • Sending and receiving messages

  • Managing dead-letter queues

  • Implementing message sessions and deferral

  • Using message forwarding and auto-delete on idle

Working with Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Solutions

Organizations often adopt hybrid or multi-cloud strategies for flexibility and compliance. Azure provides services to support these architectures.

Implementing Azure Arc

Azure Arc extends Azure services and management to any infrastructure, including on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge environments.

Key capabilities:

  • Managing servers and Kubernetes clusters with Azure Arc

  • Applying policies and updates

  • Monitoring hybrid environments with Azure Monitor

Using Azure Stack

Azure Stack allows organizations to run Azure services in their data centers.

Skills required:

  • Deploying and managing Azure Stack Hub

  • Running apps in disconnected environments

  • Integrating with Azure Resource Manager

Configuring VPN and ExpressRoute

To connect on-premises networks to Azure securely, organizations use VPN gateways or ExpressRoute.

Understanding includes:

  • Creating site-to-site and point-to-site VPNs

  • Comparing VPN and ExpressRoute

  • Configuring network gateways and routing

Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

As applications grow in complexity, monitoring and diagnostics become more critical.

Implementing Distributed Tracing

Distributed tracing helps track requests as they move through various components of a distributed system.

Steps include:

  • Instrumenting code with Application Insights SDK

  • Linking telemetry with operation IDs

  • Analyzing traces in Application Map

Custom Metrics and Logging

Sometimes built-in metrics are insufficient, requiring custom metrics and logs.

You should know how to:

  • Send custom events and metrics

  • Create metric alerts and dashboards.

  • Use structured logging with Serilog or ILogger.

Monitoring AKS and Containers

Monitoring containers introduces additional challenges due to their ephemeral nature.

Key areas:

  • Using Azure Monitor for Containers

  • Collecting logs with Fluentd and Log Analytics

  • Viewing metrics in Azure Monitor dashboards

Integrating CI/CD in Azure

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) are fundamental to modern development. Azure offers several tools for implementing CI/CD pipelines.

Using GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions provide native CI/CD integration with GitHub repositories.

Skills include:

  • Creating workflows using YAML

  • Building and pushing Docker images

  • Deploying to Azure App Service or AKS

Configuring Azure DevOps Pipelines

Azure DevOps is a full suite of tools for managing the software development lifecycle.

Key tasks:

  • Defining build and release pipelines

  • Using pipeline variables and templates

  • Managing approvals and gates

  • Deploying infrastructure with ARM/Bicep templates

Implementing Deployment Strategies

Choosing the right deployment strategy helps mitigate risks.

Common strategies:

  • Blue-green deployments

  • Canary releases

  • Rolling updates

  • Feature flags for progressive exposure

Ensuring High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Azure provides built-in tools and services to ensure high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) of applications.

Implementing Load Balancing

Azure Load Balancer and Application Gateway distribute traffic and increase availability.

You should understand:

  • Layer 4 vs. Layer 7 load balancing

  • Configuring backend pools and health probes

  • SSL termination and URL routing

Using Availability Zones and Sets

Availability Zones offer high availability by distributing resources across physical locations.

Key points:

  • Difference between zones and sets

  • Designing for zone redundancy

  • Monitoring zone availability

Backing Up and Restoring Resources

Backup strategies are crucial for data protection.

Tasks include:

  • Configuring Azure Backup for VMs and databases

  • Using Recovery Services vaults

  • Testing and executing restores

Performance Optimization and Post-Deployment Management in Azure

Optimizing the performance of applications deployed on Azure and managing them effectively after deployment is critical for maintaining efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security. This final part of the guide will cover performance tuning, cost control, post-deployment testing, and governance strategies needed to meet the objectives of the AZ-204 exam and real-world applications.

Performance Optimization Strategies

Performance optimization involves tuning application and infrastructure settings to ensure optimal performance and resource utilization.

Caching Strategies for Improved Performance

Caching is one of the most effective ways to improve application performance and reduce latency.

Techniques include:

  • Using Azure Cache for Redis to cache frequently accessed data

  • Implementing output caching and response caching in web applications

  • Caching configuration values and reference data locally

Azure Cache for Redis allows:

  • Session state storage

  • Database query result caching

  • Pub/sub message delivery

  • Real-time analytics and telemetry buffering

Using Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

CDNs reduce latency by caching static content at geographically distributed edge nodes.

Implementation steps:

  • Integrating Azure CDN with Azure Storage or Azure App Service

  • Setting up a custom domain and HTTPS

  • Configuring caching rules and purging outdated content

Scaling Applications Based on Load

Auto-scaling ensures applications remain responsive during load fluctuations.

Auto-scaling components:

  • Configuring App Service Plan auto-scale rules

  • Scaling Azure Functions based on events

  • Scaling AKS nodes and pods based on resource usage

Use metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, and queue length to define scale-in and scale-out rules.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting Performance Issues

Monitoring allows detection and resolution of performance bottlenecks.

Using Application Insights Effectively

Application Insights provides deep visibility into application performance and user behavior.

Capabilities include:

  • Live Metrics Stream

  • Performance counters

  • Dependency tracking

  • Custom events and metrics

It integrates easily with .NET, Java, JavaScript, and other popular platforms.

Leveraging Azure Monitor Logs

Azure Monitor Logs help in detailed querying and analysis of performance data.

Key actions:

  • Writing Kusto queries in Log Analytics

  • Setting up workbooks and dashboards

  • Configuring alert rules and action groups

Diagnosing Bottlenecks with Profiler and Snapshot Debugger

Azure Profiler and Snapshot Debugger help identify code-level performance issues.

Use Profiler to:

  • View code hotspots

  • Analyze method execution time.

  • Identify memory leaks

Snapshot Debugger allows real-time debugging of exceptions without halting the application.

Cost Management and Optimization

Controlling Azure costs is essential in any deployment. Cost optimization balances performance and budget.

Understanding Azure Pricing Models

Azure services follow different pricing models, such as:

  • Pay-as-you-go

  • Reserved instances

  • Spot pricing for VMs

Understanding the billing mechanism of each service helps predict and manage expenses.

Using Azure Cost Management Tools

The Azure Cost Management and Billing portal provides detailed insights into spending.

Important actions:

  • Creating budgets and alerts

  • Analyzing cost trends

  • Allocating costs with tags and management groups

Optimizing Resource Utilization

Cost reduction strategies:

  • Deleting unused resources

  • Right-sizing virtual machines

  • Using auto-shutdown for dev/test environments

  • Leveraging storage lifecycle management policies

Post-Deployment Testing and Validation

Once an application is deployed, it’s important to validate functionality and performance under real-world conditions.

Implementing Automated Tests in Pipelines

CI/CD pipelines should include automated testing stages.

Test types:

  • Unit tests with frameworks like MSTest, xUnit

  • Integration tests validating external dependencies

  • UI tests using Selenium or Playwright

Performing Load and Stress Testing

Azure Load Testing allows developers to evaluate performance under stress.

Testing scenarios:

  • Simulating user traffic patterns

  • Analyzing performance bottlenecks

  • Validating scalability under peak load

Validating Deployment Configurations

Use deployment slots in Azure App Service for staged rollouts.

Tasks include:

  • Performing smoke tests on staging slots

  • Validating settings like environment variables, connection strings

  • Swapping slots with zero downtime

Security and Compliance Management

Security and compliance are continuous post-deployment responsibilities.

Configuring Identity and Access Management

Azure provides several tools for controlling access to resources.

Key components:

  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

  • Azure Active Directory integration

  • Conditional Access policies

Using Managed Identities

Managed identities simplify secure communication between Azure services without managing credentials.

Use cases:

  • Accessing Azure Key Vault from App Services

  • Connecting to Azure SQL Database securely

  • Authenticating with Azure Storage or Event Hubs

Auditing with Azure Security Center

Azure Security Center offers unified security management and threat protection.

Capabilities include:

  • Security score and recommendations

  • Just-in-time VM access control

  • File integrity monitoring

  • Regulatory compliance dashboard

Governance and Policy Enforcement

Governance ensures that resources are compliant with organizational standards.

Implementing Azure Policy

Azure Policy allows enforcing organizational rules on resource configurations.

Common policies:

  • Enforcing tag policies for cost tracking

  • Restricting VM sizes or locations

  • Auditing unencrypted storage accounts

Using Management Groups and Blueprints

Azure Management Groups and Blueprints help apply governance across subscriptions.

Steps:

  • Organizing subscriptions with management groups

  • Defining Blueprint artifacts (policies, RBAC, ARM templates)

  • Applying Blueprints to multiple environments

Ensuring Business Continuity

Business continuity planning ensures services remain available during failures.

Setting Up Geo-Redundant Solutions

Geo-redundancy protects against regional failures.

Strategies include:

  • Using Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS)

  • Deploying multi-region App Services

  • Configuring Traffic Manager for failover

Implementing Database Failover Strategies

Databases are central to most applications and require high availability.

Key techniques:

  • SQL Database active geo-replication

  • Cosmos DB multi-region writes.

  • Auto-failover groups for critical databases

Running Disaster Recovery Drills

Regular drills ensure preparedness for real incidents.

Steps:

  • Testing backup restores

  • Simulating regional outages

  • Validating RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective)

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the AZ-204 exam is not merely about passing a certification; it’s about building a solid foundation for developing reliable, scalable, and secure applications on Microsoft Azure. This guide has walked you through every major domain of the exam from developing compute solutions and implementing Azure Functions, to managing APIs, securing applications, monitoring performance, and applying governance.

Throughout the preparation, you’ve explored how to write efficient code, design scalable architecture, integrate services, handle real-time data, and maintain performance under load. You’ve learned how to leverage core Azure services, such as Azure App Services, Azure Functions, Cosmos DB, Azure Storage, Event Grid, and more, using modern development practices.

Success in the AZ-204 exam reflects more than technical knowledge, it demonstrates your ability to apply cloud-native principles in real-world scenarios. It confirms your capability to build robust solutions that align with modern business requirements, regulatory expectations, and customer demands.

As you continue your journey in cloud development, remember that Azure is constantly evolving. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and engage with the developer community to refine your expertise. This guide is your launchpad not just to certification, but to becoming a proficient and future-ready Azure developer.