A web app is software that runs on a web server and is available through a web browser. Unlike traditional desktop applications, you don't need to install anything on your computer to run a web app. Most modern applications are web apps.

Some examples include:

Web apps vary in complexity. The examples above have many features, like personal accounts, payment processors, and external integrations with other web apps. The core of a web app comprises three components:

Virtual network
Software that replaces traditional networking infrastructure, like routers and switches.
Virtual machine
A digital environment that behaves like a physical computer.
Database
A storage system that saves data.

Together, these components give you a connected machine that is always on, connected to the internet, and available for others to visit. This means you can save applications, services, or static web pages here and access them anywhere, anytime. With the reliability of the cloud, you don’t have to worry about the host’s physical environment. Compare this with hosting your content on your home computer where you must manage its power, cooling, and continuous operation. A web app in Azure lets you focus on improving your content rather than maintaining physical hardware.

Purpose and scope

This tutorial describes how to use Terraform to create the basic components for a simple web app. It includes:

  • Downloading, installing, and configuring the Azure CLI
  • Setting up a Terraform workspace
  • Writing Terraform configuration files
  • Planning, applying, and destroying Terraform resources

If you work in the cloud or are interested in learning industry-standard concepts, this tutorial will help you get started with infrastructure-as-code strategies.

See the following tutorials to learn more about using Terraform:

Updated: