Azure Container Services: A Guide to Hosting Docker Images
Tags: azure, tutorial, devops, docker
Published: 2023-09-30 07:42:12

If you are working with docker images and want to deploy them to Azure, you might be wondering which service to use. Azure offers several options for hosting docker images, such as **Container Registry**, **Container Instances**, **Container App** and **Web App for Containers**. In this blog post, I will explain the differences between these services and how to choose the best one for your scenario.

### Container Registry
Container Registry is a private registry service that allows you to store and manage your docker images in Azure. You can use it to push and pull images from any docker client, or integrate it with other Azure services such as **Azure DevOps**, **Azure Kubernetes Service**, or **Azure Functions**. Container Registry is a good option if you want to have full control over your images and their lifecycle.

### Container Instances
Container Instances is a service that allows you to run single-container or multi-container applications in Azure without having to manage any infrastructure. You can create and delete container instances on demand, and pay only for the resources you use. Container Instances is a good option if you want to run short-lived or stateless workloads that do not require orchestration or scaling.

### Container App
Container App is a new service that allows you to run containerized applications in Azure with minimal configuration and management. You can deploy your docker images to a serverless environment that automatically scales up and down based on demand. You can also configure networking, logging, monitoring, and security settings for your container app. Container App is a good option if you want to run stateless or event-driven workloads that require high availability and performance.

### Web App for Containers
Web App for Containers is a service that allows you to run web applications in Azure using docker images. You can deploy your images from Container Registry or any other registry, and use the same features and tools as regular web apps, such as custom domains, SSL certificates, deployment slots, backups, and diagnostics. Web App for Containers is a good option if you want to run web applications that require persistent storage or integration with other web app services.

### Create Container Registry & Container APP
To illustrate how to use these services, let's see how we can create a Container Registry and a Container App using Azure CLI.

```powershell
# Sample Azure CLI commands for creating Azure Container Registry
az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus
az acr create --resource-group MyResourceGroup --name mycontainerregistry --sku Basic

# Sample Azure CLI commands for pushing Docker image to Azure Container Registry
az acr login --name mycontainerregistry
docker tag mydockerimage:latest mycontainerregistry.azurecr.io/mydockerimage:latest
docker push mycontainerregistry.azurecr.io/mydockerimage:latest

# Sample Azure CLI commands for deploying a container app
az container create --resource-group MyResourceGroup --name mycontainerapp --image mycontainerregistry.azurecr.io/mydockerimage:latest --cpu 0.75 --memory 1.5Gi --registry-username <username> --registry-password <password>
```

#### Conclusion
In conclusion, Azure offers a comprehensive suite of container services, each tailored to different use cases and preferences. When deciding which service to choose, consider factors such as your project's requirements, scalability needs, and the level of control you desire over the underlying infrastructure. The table or comparison points provided earlier can be a useful reference for making an informed decision.

By understanding the differences between Azure Container Registry, Azure Container Instances, Azure Container App, and Azure Web App for Containers, you can make strategic decisions that align with your project's goals, ensuring a seamless and efficient container deployment on the Azure cloud. Happy containerizing!