Azure: AZ-204 Interview Questions

The Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure AZ-204 examinations aims to check your ability to accomplish the following technical tasks: develop Azure compute solutions; develop for Azure storage; implement Azure security; monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure solutions; and connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services. Further, candidates for this exam are cloud developers who participate in all phases of development from requirements definition and design to development and deployment, and maintenance. Also, they partner with cloud DBAs, cloud administrators, and clients to implement solutions. To help you in your preparation for the AZ-204 interview we have curated a few questions.

What is Azure and what are its core components?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and infrastructure created by Microsoft for building, deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.

The core components of Azure include:

1. Virtual Machines: Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) allow you to create and manage VMs in the cloud, which can run a wide range of operating systems and applications.
2. Storage: Azure Storage provides scalable and highly available storage solutions for structured and unstructured data, including Blob storage for unstructured data, Queue storage for message queues, and Table storage for structured NoSQL data.
3. Networking: Azure Networking provides a range of networking services, such as virtual networks, load balancing, and traffic management, to help you securely and reliably connect your resources in the cloud.
4. Databases: Azure Databases provides managed database services, including relational databases (such as Azure SQL Database) and non-relational databases (such as Azure Cosmos DB).
5. Web and Mobile: Azure Web and Mobile provides a range of services for building and deploying web and mobile applications, including Azure App Service, Azure Functions, and Azure Mobile App.
6. Analytics: Azure Analytics provides a range of big data and analytics services, including Azure HDInsight for Apache Hadoop-based analytics and Azure Stream Analytics for real-time event processing.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): Azure IoT provides a range of services for IoT device and solution development, including Azure IoT Hub, Azure IoT Edge, and Azure IoT Central.

These are the core components of Azure and make up the foundation of the platform. Azure also offers a wide range of other services and solutions for various scenarios and use cases.

How do you deploy and manage virtual machines in Azure?

You can deploy and manage virtual machines (VMs) in Azure using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure Power Shell. Here is a high-level overview of the steps to deploy and manage VMs in Azure:

1. Create a virtual machine: To create a VM in Azure, you need to choose an image for the operating system and configure the virtual machine’s resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. You can do this using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure Power Shell.
2. Connect to the virtual machine: After the virtual machine is created, you need to connect to it to configure the operating system, install applications, and manage the virtual machine. You can do this using remote desktop protocol (RDP) or secure shell (SSH) protocols.
3. Manage the virtual machine: After the virtual machine is created and configured, you can manage it using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure Power Shell. This includes tasks such as starting and stopping the virtual machine, resizing the virtual machine’s resources, and backing up the virtual machine.
4. Monitor the virtual machine: To monitor the virtual machine, you can use Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to monitor the performance, health, and availability of the virtual machine. This includes monitoring the virtual machine’s metrics, such as CPU usage, memory usage, and network usage, and receiving alerts when the virtual machine is experiencing issues.

These are the high-level steps to deploy and manage virtual machines in Azure. Azure provides a range of tools and services to help you manage and monitor your virtual machines, making it easy to deploy and run applications and services in the cloud.

Can you discuss the different storage options available in Azure and when to use each one?

Azure offers several different storage options to meet the needs of different scenarios and use cases. Here are some of the main storage options available in Azure and when to use each one:

1. Blob Storage: Blob storage is designed for unstructured data, such as images, videos, and documents. Blob storage provides scalable and highly available object storage for unstructured data, and is ideal for use cases such as storing large files for content delivery networks (CDNs) or for backup and disaster recovery.
2. Queue Storage: Queue storage is a scalable and highly available message queuing service for storing and retrieving messages between applications. Queue storage is ideal for use cases such as decoupled architectures, where different parts of an application can communicate through messages stored in a queue.
3. Table Storage: Table storage is a NoSQL key-value store for structured data, and is ideal for use cases such as storing large amounts of structured data for big data and analytics solutions, or for storing metadata for applications.
4. File Storage: File storage is a scalable and highly available file-sharing service, and is ideal for use cases such as shared file storage for applications, or as a network file share for virtual machines.

These are the main storage options available in Azure, and each one is designed for different use cases. When choosing a storage option in Azure, it’s important to consider the requirements of your scenario and use case, such as the type and structure of data being stored, the performance and scalability needs, and the cost and durability requirements.

How do you secure access to Azure resources, such as virtual machines and storage accounts?

Securing access to Azure resources, such as virtual machines and storage accounts, is a critical aspect of using Azure. Here are some of the main methods for securing access to Azure resources:

1. Azure Active Directory (AD): Azure AD is a multi-tenant, cloud-based directory and identity management service that provides identity and access management for Azure resources. You can use Azure AD to authenticate users, manage access to resources, and enforce access policies.
2. Role-based access control (RBAC): RBAC is a feature in Azure that enables you to manage access to Azure resources based on a user’s role. RBAC provides a set of predefined roles, such as reader, contributor, and owner, that you can assign to users, and you can also create custom roles with specific permissions.
3. Virtual network (VNet) security: VNets provide a secure and isolated network environment for Azure resources. You can use VNets to isolate resources from the public internet and control network traffic using network security groups (NSGs) and firewall rules.
4. Network security groups (NSGs): NSGs are a firewall solution for Azure virtual networks that control inbound and outbound network traffic to and from Azure resources. You can create NSGs to allow or deny specific traffic to and from your virtual machines and other resources.
5. Encryption: Azure provides encryption capabilities to secure data both at rest and in transit. Azure uses encryption-at-rest to secure data stored in Azure storage accounts, and encryption-in-transit to secure data as it travels over the network.

These are some of the main methods for securing access to Azure resources. Securing access to Azure resources is a critical aspect of using Azure, and requires a multi-layered approach that involves using Azure AD, RBAC, virtual network security, encryption, and access keys and secrets.

Can you walk us through the process of setting up and configuring a virtual network in Azure?

Here is a high-level overview of the process for setting up and configuring a virtual network in Azure:

1. Create a virtual network: To create a virtual network in Azure, you can use the Azure portal, the Azure CLI, or an Azure Resource Manager template. When you create a virtual network, you specify the name, location, address space, and subnets for the virtual network.
2. Configure subnets: A virtual network is divided into subnets, which are used to isolate resources in the virtual network. When you create a virtual network, you specify the subnets and their address ranges.
3. Create network security groups: Network security groups (NSGs) are used to control inbound and outbound network traffic to and from resources in the virtual network. To create an NSG, you use the Azure portal, the Azure CLI, or an Azure Resource Manager template.
4. Assign NSGs to subnets: After you create an NSG, you can assign it to a subnet in the virtual network. When you assign an NSG to a subnet, all resources in that subnet are subject to the NSG’s inbound and outbound rules.
5. Configure inbound and outbound rules: Inbound and outbound rules are used to control network traffic to and from resources in the virtual network. To configure inbound and outbound rules, you use the Azure portal, the Azure CLI, or an Azure Resource Manager template.

This is a high-level overview of the process for setting up and configuring a virtual network in Azure. The specific steps involved in setting up and configuring a virtual network can vary based on the tools and services you are using, so it’s important to consult the Azure documentation for detailed guidance on setting up and configuring virtual networks in Azure.

How do you use Azure App Services to host and manage web applications?

Azure App Services is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and mobile app backends. Here is an overview of how you can use Azure App Services to host and manage web applications:

1. Create an App Service plan: An App Service plan is the infrastructure that hosts your web application. To create an App Service plan, you use the Azure portal, the Azure CLI, or an Azure Resource Manager template.
2. Deploy a web application: You can deploy a web application to Azure App Services by using Git, FTP, or by deploying directly from Visual Studio. Once your web application is deployed, it runs in a container within the App Service plan.
3. Configure custom domains: You can configure custom domains for your web application, which makes it easier for users to find and access your web application. To configure custom domains, you use the Azure portal or the Azure CLI.
4. Monitor and scale your web application: Azure App Services provides built-in monitoring and scaling capabilities that make it easier to manage and optimize the performance of your web application. You can monitor the performance of your web application using the Azure portal, and you can scale your web application up or down based on demand.
5. Manage app secrets: Azure App Services provides a secure and managed way to store and manage app secrets, such as connection strings, API keys, and certificates. You can use the Azure portal or the Azure CLI to manage app secrets.

These are the main steps for using Azure App Services to host and manage web applications. Azure App Services provides a fully managed platform that makes it easy to build, deploy, and scale web applications, while also providing built-in monitoring, scaling, and security capabilities.

Can you explain the difference between Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps, and when to use each one?

Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps are both cloud-based services for building and running automated workflows and serverless applications in Azure. However, there are some key differences between the two services and the scenarios in which they are best suited.

Azure Functions is a platform for building event-driven, serverless applications. Azure Functions provides a way to run code in response to a variety of events, such as HTTP requests, message queues, and timer-based triggers. Next, Azure Functions provides a flexible and scalable runtime environment, allowing you to write and run code in a variety of programming languages, including C#, JavaScript, and Python.

Azure Logic Apps is a service for building and running automated workflows, or “Logic Apps”, in the cloud. Azure Logic Apps provides a visual designer for building workflows, as well as a powerful engine for executing those workflows. Logic Apps can be used to integrate with a wide range of services, such as email, file storage, databases, and more.

When deciding between Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps, you should consider the following:

1. Event-driven vs Workflow-driven: If you need to run code in response to specific events, such as HTTP requests or message queues, Azure Functions is a good choice. If you need to build complex workflows that integrate with multiple services, Azure Logic Apps is a better choice.
2. Code vs Visual Designer: If you prefer to write code and have control over the low-level details of your application, Azure Functions is a good choice. If you prefer to use a visual designer to build workflows, Azure Logic Apps is a better choice.
3. Scalability: Both Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps provide scalable runtime environments, allowing you to easily scale your applications up or down based on demand.

How do you integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms, such as on-premise systems and other cloud platforms?

There are several ways to integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms, such as on-premise systems and other cloud platforms. Here are some common methods:

1. Virtual Networking: Azure Virtual Network allows you to create a logically isolated network in the cloud, which can be used to connect Azure services to on-premise systems using a VPN connection.
2. Azure Active Directory: Azure Active Directory can be used to securely integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms, such as on-premise systems and other cloud platforms. Azure Active Directory provides a centralized identity management solution that can be used to manage user identities and access to resources in Azure and other systems.
3. Azure API Management: Azure API Management provides a way to manage and expose APIs from Azure services and other systems and platforms. This allows you to build scalable, secure, and manageable API gateways that can be used to integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms.
4. Azure Event Grid: Azure Event Grid is a fully managed event routing service that can be used to integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms. Event Grid allows you to publish and subscribe to events, and route those events to other systems and platforms for processing.
5. Azure Logic Apps: Azure Logic Apps provides a way to integrate Azure services with other systems and platforms using a visual designer and a powerful engine for executing workflows. Logic Apps can be used to integrate with a wide range of services, such as email, file storage, databases, and more.

These are some common methods for integrating Azure services with other systems and platforms. The specific integration solution will depend on the requirements of your specific scenario, but Azure provides a variety of tools and services to help you build and manage integrated solutions in the cloud.

Can you discuss the different methods for scaling applications in Azure, such as vertical scaling and horizontal scaling?

Scaling is the process of increasing or decreasing the capacity of an application to handle increased or decreased demand. There are two main methods for scaling applications in Azure: vertical scaling (also known as scaling up) and horizontal scaling (also known as scaling out).

Vertical scaling (scaling up) involves increasing the capacity of a single instance of an application, by allocating more resources such as memory or CPU. This can be done in Azure by changing the size of a virtual machine or the number of cores allocated to an App Service plan. Vertical scaling is a simple and fast way to increase the capacity of an application, but it has some limitations, such as a maximum size for virtual machines and a limited number of cores for App Service plans.

Horizontal scaling (scaling out) involves increasing the capacity of an application by adding additional instances of the application. This can be done in Azure by adding additional virtual machines to a load-balanced pool, or by adding additional instances of an App Service. Horizontal scaling provides more flexibility and scalability than vertical scaling, but it requires more complex configuration and management.

In general, you should use vertical scaling when you need a simple and fast way to increase the capacity of an application, and you should use horizontal scaling when you need more flexible and scalable scaling options. The specific scaling method will depend on the requirements of your specific scenario, but Azure provides a variety of tools and services to help you build and manage scalable applications in the cloud.

What is Cloud Computing, and how does it work?

Cloud computing refers to the provision of computing as a service rather than a product. It is entirely reliant on the Internet. Cloud computing makes hardware (such as servers), storage, application hosting, and other resources available on demand. As a result, it eliminates the need for you to instal and maintain your services and software on your local servers or personal computers.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Azure?

The following are some of Microsoft Azure’s benefits:

• IT management effort and expenses can be reduced.
• Reduce the cost of construction while also expanding on-site infrastructure.
• Changes in your company and consumer desires must be addressed quickly.
• Select the deployment model that best fits your needs: on-premises or off-premises.
• Scale up and down your IT capital depending on your requirements.
• Utilize computing resources ONLY when they are needed.
• Remove the need for hardware management.
• Create cloud apps with your current development skills.

Can you move a resource from one group to another?

Yes, you can. A resource can be moved among resource groups.

What is the concept of a resource group?

In Azure, a resource category is a logical container for newly generated resources. Only one resource category may contain an ARM resource. In an area, a resource group is formed, which may include resources from other regions. The lifecycle of all resources in the resource community is the same.

How many resource groups a subscription can have?

A subscription can have up to 800 resource groups. Also, a resource group can have up to 800 resources of the same type and up to 15 tags.

What is Azure Storage, and how does it work?

Microsoft’s storage solution for data persistence situations is Azure Storage. In comparison to conventional data storage solutions, Azure Storage is extremely robust, available, and scalable. You just pay for what you use in Azure storage, and it’s accessible through simple and open REST APIs. It is the availability of rich client libraries and tools.

What are the various storage options available in Azure?

The following are the various forms of storage:

• Blobs: These are used to store vast volumes of unstructured data.
• Queues: Queues are used to store messages that are sent between application components.
• Files: Used to store files and share them as shared disc storage among VMs.
• Disks: For high I/O and random read-write operations, discs are used to create virtual machine discs.
• Tables: In NoSQL, tables are used to store structured data. It’s best for databases that aren’t too large.

What are Azure App Services, and what do they do?

Azure App Services is a component of Microsoft Azure’s PaaS offering. These are used to create, deploy, and scale enterprise-grade web, mobile, and API apps on any device quickly and easily. Virtual machines are used behind the scenes, but they are abstracted. This allow for both manual and automatic scaling. Java, Node.js, PHP, Python,.NET, and Ruby are all supported.

What are the different types of applications provided by App Services in Azure?

Azure App Service supports the following types of applications.

• Web Apps
• Mobile Apps
• API Apps

What is Server-less Computing, and how does it work?

One of the most commonly used terminology in the cloud these days is “serverless computing.” The PaaS function, which provides an enormous amount of computing power without requiring a server to host an app, has had a significant impact on web growth. The aim is to perform computation without requiring the app to be hosted on a server.

Essentially, it’s similar to a taxi aggregator or even a food delivery startup in that it provides a forum for us to book a cab or order food, but the actual service is delivered by a third-party vendor. In a similar vein, we built a serverless computing module that can attach to various third-party services to complete the task.

What exactly is an Azure Function?

Azure Functions is a Serverless Compute Service that allows you to run code on demand, such as Events and External-Invoke. Azure Functions will automatically scale up in response to demand. Web Jobs have evolved into Azure features. You can write functions in C#, Node, Java, Python, and other languages. App utilities are used by Azure functions internally.

How to choose between DTU and vCore?

Refer to the following suggestions:

• Firstly, Use the DTU model If there are no performance issues.
• Secondly, In DTU based model, you need to pay a fixed amount each month for pre-configured compute resources.
• Thirdly, vCore allows you to dig into the underlying resources and scale them independently for optimal performance.
• Next. vCore allows you to take Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server.
• Last but not least, You can migrate between DTU-based and vCore-based models through the portal online.

What deployment environments does Azure provide?

This is one of the most popular Azure interview questions, and you must be prepared to answer it. Azure provides two deployment options:

• Environment for Staging:
  • It offers a forum for validating improvements to your application before releasing it into production.
  • The app can be found at this point using the Azure Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) in URL form (GUID.cloudapp.net)
• Environment of Production:
  • The live application is stored in this environment.
  • With a more DNS friendly URL, it can be distinguished from the staging area (servicename.cloudapp.net)

In Azure SQL, what is Federation?

SQL Azure Federation is a collection of tools that enable developers to access and share databases in SQL Azure.

• Firstly, It allows users to take advantage of cloud-based services.
• Secondly, It enables users to create their own databases or to share databases with one another.
• Thirdly, It lowers the risk of a single point of failure.
• Last but not least, It saves money by just using cloud services when they’re needed.

We have covered all the important questions for a Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure examination interview. You can also, try out free practice test and get the best of it. It will also, help you in giving a better understanding of the examination. You can also, check Azure Developing Solutions online training for further knowledge.