Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/deploy-a-website-with-azure-virtual-machines

In the dynamic world of web development, flexibility and control over your hosting environment are paramount. While platforms like Azure Web Apps offer streamlined deployment, there are times when your project’s unique requirements necessitate a more hands-on approach. This is where Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) shine, providing the granular control needed to customize and manage every facet of your web server.

Coursera’s “Deploy a website with Azure Virtual Machines” course is an excellent resource for anyone looking to harness the power of Azure VMs for their web hosting needs. This course is expertly designed to guide you through the entire lifecycle of creating, configuring, and managing both Linux and Windows virtual machines that can host your web applications.

The course begins with a solid foundation in the “Introduction to Azure virtual machines.” Here, you’ll delve into the critical decisions you need to make *before* provisioning a VM, exploring the various options available for creation and ongoing management, and understanding the essential extensions and services that streamline VM administration. This foundational knowledge is crucial for setting up a robust and efficient hosting solution.

Next, the course provides practical, step-by-step guidance on how to “Create a Linux virtual machine in Azure” and “Create a Windows virtual machine in Azure.” You’ll learn how Azure VMs can be provisioned in minutes, offering dedicated compute resources that function just like physical servers, giving you the power to tailor your environment precisely to your application’s demands.

A standout module is the “Build and run a web application with the MEAN stack on an Azure Linux virtual machine.” This section is particularly valuable for developers familiar with or interested in the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js). You’ll get hands-on experience building a functional web application, storing book information, and deploying it on an Azure Linux VM. This practical application of learned skills provides a significant jump-start for creating your next web project.

Finally, the course includes a “Practice exam” that aligns with the skills measured in the AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure exam. This is a fantastic way to consolidate your learning and gauge your readiness for potential certifications.

**Recommendation:**

I highly recommend “Deploy a website with Azure Virtual Machines” to developers, system administrators, and IT professionals who need to move beyond basic web app hosting. The course strikes an excellent balance between theoretical understanding and practical application, equipping you with the skills to confidently deploy and manage websites on Azure VMs. Whether you’re working with specific software dependencies, require custom configurations, or are looking to gain deeper control over your hosting environment, this course is an invaluable investment in your cloud computing skillset.

Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/deploy-a-website-with-azure-virtual-machines