Tutorial / Cram Notes
ARM templates are comprised of the following key sections:
$schema: Specifies the location of the JSON schema file that describes the version of the template language.contentVersion: Provides a version for the template (defined by the author).parameters: Accepts values that are passed in to customize the deployment.variables: Contains values that are used throughout the template.resources: Specifies the resources to deploy.outputs: Returns values from the deployed resources.
How to Save a Deployment as an ARM Template
Through Azure Portal
- Navigate to Resource Groups: Go to the resource group containing the resources you want to export.
- Export Template: Select the resource group and click on “Export template” from the left blade.
- Review and Download: The portal will generate the ARM template and provide a view of the template and parameters. You can download the template and parameter files or save them directly to a GitHub repository or Azure storage.
Using Azure PowerShell
Use the Export-AzResourceGroup cmdlet to export the current state of your resource group as a template.
Export-AzResourceGroup -ResourceGroupName “YourResourceGroupName” -Path “C:\ARMTemplate”
This will create an ARM template file that represents the current state of all resources in the specified resource group.
Using Azure CLI
Use the az group export command to achieve the same result via Azure CLI.
az group export –name YourResourceGroupName –path “C:\ARMTemplate”
You can also add the --include-comments and --include-parameter-default-value options to control the export behavior.
Best Practices for Using ARM Templates
When saving your deployment as an ARM template, it is recommended to follow these best practices:
- Parameterize Inputs: Use parameters for inputs like names, SKUs, and locations to make your templates reusable across different environments.
- Use Variables for Repeated Elements: If there are values that you use multiple times in the template, put them in variables.
- Secure Sensitive Data: Use Azure Key Vault to store sensitive information instead of including it directly in your template.
- Validate Before Deployment: Use the
Test-AzResourceGroupDeploymentcmdlet in PowerShell oraz group deployment validatein the CLI to validate your template before actual deployment. - Store Templates in Source Control: Keep your ARM templates in a version-controlled repository for collaboration and history tracking purposes.
Comparison: ARM Templates vs Other Deployment Options
| Aspect | ARM Templates | Other Deployment Options (e.g., Azure CLI, PowerShell) |
|---|---|---|
| Declarative | Yes (States what to create) | No (Explains how to create) |
| Idempotent | Yes (Can be applied multiple times) | No (May need additional scripting for idempotency) |
| Automation | Highly suitable | Partially suitable |
| State Management | Managed by Azure | Managed by scripts/user |
| Reusability | High with parameterization | Lower unless scripted with care |
| Version Control | Easy to version control JSON files | Script files can be version controlled |
| Error Checking | Validation tools available | More prone to runtime errors |
Using ARM templates to save and deploy your Azure environments provides a structured, standardized, and version-controlled way of managing the infrastructure, which is key to the Azure Administrator role. ARM templates allow for reusability, are idempotent, and maintain state, which helps prevent deployment inconsistencies and configuration drift over time. Therefore, an understanding of how to create, manage, and deploy ARM templates is a vital part of the skills assessed in the AZ-104 exam.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: When saving a deployment as an ARM template, you can export the template directly from the Azure portal after deployment.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: You can export an ARM template from the Azure portal after successfully deploying a resource. This is available in the resource group’s “Deployments” section, where you can view a template for any deployment.
When exporting a template, which of the following can be included in the exported ARM template?
- (A) Parameters
- (B) Resource group information
- (C) Subscription ID
- (D) Template and parameters
- (E) Tags
Answer: D) Template and parameters
Explanation: An exported ARM template includes the template and parameters files, which define the infrastructure and configuration for the deployment. Other information like subscription ID or resource group information is not included in the template files themselves.
True or False: You can export an ARM template for a resource group that includes resources deployed with different deployment methods (e.g., Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Portal).
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: You can export an ARM template for a resource group regardless of how resources were initially deployed (e.g., Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Portal). The export will capture the current state of the resources in the ARM template.
Which of the following is NOT a valid option for editing an ARM template?
- (A) Azure Portal
- (B) Visual Studio Code
- (C) Azure CLI
- (D) Microsoft Word
Answer: D) Microsoft Word
Explanation: Microsoft Word is not a suitable tool for editing ARM templates. Instead, ARM templates should be edited using code editors or scripting tools, such as Azure Portal’s ARM template editor, Visual Studio Code, or Azure CLI.
True or False: Once you save a deployment as an ARM template, you cannot modify the template before redeploying it.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: After saving a deployment as an ARM template, you can modify the template before redeploying it. The template is essentially a JSON file that can be edited to make necessary changes.
An ARM template can be used to deploy resources to which of the following scopes?
- (A) Resource groups
- (B) Subscriptions
- (C) Management groups
- (D) Tenants
Answer: A) Resource groups
Explanation: ARM templates are typically used to deploy resources to a specific resource group within a subscription, although they can also be used for subscription, management group, and tenant scopes with certain restrictions.
Which of the following can be parameterized in an ARM template?
- (A) Resource types
- (B) Resource names
- (C) Resource locations
- (D) Subscription IDs
Answer: B) Resource names and C) Resource locations
Explanation: In an ARM template, you can parameterize values like resource names and locations to allow for more flexibility and reuse of the template across different environments or scenarios. Resource types and subscription IDs typically are not parameterized.
True or False: After exporting an ARM template, it must be deployed immediately and cannot be saved for later use.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: After exporting an ARM template, it can be saved for later use or version-controlled using a source control system. There is no requirement to deploy it immediately after export.
Upon exporting an ARM template, which of the following is automatically generated?
- (A) The necessary PowerShell scripts for deployment
- (B) A deployment history
- (C) A parameters file
- (D) A resource visualization
Answer: C) A parameters file
Explanation: When an ARM template is exported, a parameters file is typically generated along with the template file. This parameters file allows for configuring the deployment with different values for each parameter.
True or False: ARM templates are only compatible with Azure and cannot be used as a general configuration management tool.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: ARM templates are specifically designed for Azure resources and deployments. They are not general configuration management tools and are not compatible with other cloud platforms or services outside of Azure.
Interview Questions
What is an ARM template?
An ARM template is a JSON file that describes the infrastructure and configuration of your Azure resources.
How can I create an Azure Virtual Machine using the Azure Portal?
To create an Azure Virtual Machine using the Azure Portal, navigate to the “Virtual Machine” resource and fill out the “Basics” tab with the required information.
Can I save an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template?
Yes, you can save an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template.
Why would I want to save an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template?
Saving an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template allows you to automate the deployment of resources and ensure consistency across environments.
How do I save an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template?
To save an Azure Virtual Machine deployment as an ARM template, select the virtual machine in the Azure portal, click the “Export template” button, and download the ARM template.
Can I edit an ARM template?
Yes, you can edit an ARM template using any text editor, such as Visual Studio Code.
Can I deploy an ARM template using the Azure Portal?
Yes, you can deploy an ARM template using the Azure Portal by selecting “Template Deployment” from the list of available resources.
How can I customize an ARM template?
You can customize an ARM template by modifying the JSON file and changing the values of the resource properties.
What is the difference between a parameter and a variable in an ARM template?
A parameter is a value that is passed into an ARM template at deployment time, while a variable is a value that is defined within the template itself.
Can I include conditional logic in an ARM template?
Yes, you can include conditional logic in an ARM template by using the “if” and “equals” functions.
Can I reference resources from other ARM templates in an ARM template?
Yes, you can reference resources from other ARM templates in an ARM template by using the “resourceId” function.
Can I use parameters to create a more flexible ARM template?
Yes, using parameters in an ARM template can make the template more flexible and reusable across different environments.
Can I test an ARM template before deploying it?
Yes, you can test an ARM template using the Azure Resource Manager template test tool.
Can I validate an ARM template before deploying it?
Yes, you can validate an ARM template using the Azure Resource Manager template validation tool.
How can I find existing ARM templates for different Azure resources?
You can find existing ARM templates for different Azure resources in the Azure Quickstart Templates gallery.
Great post! Saving a deployment as an ARM template can really simplify and automate the deployment process.
I tried exporting my deployment and ran into some missing resource dependencies. Any tips on handling these?
Don’t forget to parameterize your ARM templates to make them reusable for different environments.
I’ve found using Azure CLI commands very effective for automating the export and deployment process.
Thanks for the information! This is really going to help me with my AZ-104 exam prep.
Nice article, but it would be more helpful with some additional examples and case studies.
One challenge I faced was handling the nested deployments within ARM templates. Any best practices?
Excellent write-up! Helped me understand the basics of ARM templates.