If you’re using Azure for your web applications, you may have heard of deployment slots. But what exactly are they and why should you use them? In this tutorial, we’ll explore the benefits and use cases of deployment slots in Azure.
What are Deployment Slots?
Deployment slots are a feature of Azure App Service that allow you to deploy different versions of your application to separate environments. Each slot is a separate instance of your app with its own URL, and you can swap between them with zero downtime.
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Why Use Deployment Slots?
There are several reasons why you might want to use deployment slots in Azure:
- Testing New Features: Deployment slots allow you to test new features or code changes in a separate environment before pushing them live.
- Rolling Out Updates: You can deploy new versions of your app to a staging slot and then swap it with the production slot once it’s been tested and verified.
- A/B Testing: You can create multiple deployment slots with different versions of your app and test which version performs better.
- Zero Downtime Deployments: Swapping between deployment slots ensures that there is no downtime during updates or deployments.
How to Use Deployment Slots in Azure
Using deployment slots in Azure is relatively simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create a new App Service plan or choose an existing one for your app.
- Create a new web app or choose an existing one to use deployment slots on.
- Navigate to the “Deployment Slots” section under the “Deployment Center” tab in the left-hand menu.
- Create a new slot by clicking “Add Slot.”
- Name your new slot and choose whether to clone the configuration and content from an existing slot or start with a clean slate.
- Deploy your app to the new slot using your preferred deployment method.
- Test your app in the new slot and swap it with the production slot once you’re ready.
Conclusion
Deployment slots are a powerful tool for managing updates and testing new features in Azure. They allow you to deploy different versions of your app to separate environments and swap between them with zero downtime. Whether you’re rolling out updates, testing new features, or conducting A/B testing, deployment slots can help streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition for your users.