What it does
Azure Functions runs code in response to events such as HTTP requests, scheduled work, file uploads, and messages. Developers choose a language and can begin with Azure Developer CLI, command-line tools, Visual Studio Code, or Visual Studio. Hosting options include consumption-based plans, Premium, and Azure Container Apps, so the service can support both bursty functions and applications that need a different scaling or networking profile. Durable Functions adds orchestration for stateful, long-running workflows.
Start locally or in an editor, then choose a hosting plan
Microsoft's getting-started guide offers language-specific quickstarts and names Azure Developer CLI, command-line tools, Visual Studio Code, and Visual Studio as ways to create a first function. Functions are organized around triggers and bindings: an HTTP trigger can expose a web endpoint, while storage, queues, schedules, and other events can start background work. A local project can then be deployed to Azure under a hosting plan selected for its scaling and networking needs.
The plan is an architectural choice, not just a label. Consumption and Flex Consumption charge for executions and resource time and include monthly free grants on eligible paid subscriptions. Premium keeps capacity available and bills allocated resources, while Functions can also run on an App Service or Container Apps plan. Storage and networking charges are separate from the function free grant, so include them when estimating a deployment.
Microsoft currently flags the Linux Consumption hosting plan for retirement in September 2028 and directs customers toward Flex Consumption. New deployments should compare the current plan options rather than relying on older Linux Consumption tutorials. The pricing page gives regional estimates, not a guaranteed quote, and no project or function was deployed for this listing.
Strengths
- Supports multiple programming languages and documented development paths through CLI tools, VS Code, and Visual Studio.
- Triggers and bindings connect function code to HTTP requests, schedules, storage, queues, and other event sources.
- Several hosting plans cover consumption-based execution, preallocated capacity, and Container Apps deployments.
Watch out for
- Plan selection changes scaling and billing; storage and networking are billed separately from consumption-plan free grants.
- The Linux Consumption hosting plan is scheduled for retirement in September 2028.
Best for
- Building event-driven APIs, scheduled tasks, and message or file-processing jobs on Azure.
- Developers who want to build functions in a familiar language and editor before deploying to managed hosting.
- Orchestrating durable, stateful work with Azure's Functions ecosystem.
Sources
- Azure Functions | Microsoft Azure (Oct 25, 2026)
- Get Started with Azure Functions | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)
- Pricing - Functions | Microsoft Azure (Oct 25, 2026)