Azure Prepare

MicrosoftOfficialCreated by Microsoft

Skill
Workflow
Cloud and DevOps
MIT
Medium risk
Has scripts

From the author

Prepare azd-based Azure projects for deployment: generates azure.yaml, infrastructure (Bicep/Terraform), and Dockerfiles for the Azure Developer CLI (azd) workflow. USE ONLY when the user explicitly wants to use azd as the deployment tool, or the project already has an azure.yaml file. DO NOT USE FOR: non-azd deployments, Python App Service code-only deploys (use python-appservice-deploy), or cross-cloud migration (use azure-cloud-migrate). WHEN: prepare app for azd, create azure.yaml, set up azd infrastructure, modernize app for Azure with azd, deploy with azd, function app, timer trigger, service bus trigger, event-driven function, managed identity, generate Bicep, generate Terraform, create and deploy to Azure.

— the description by Microsoft

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

The azure-prepare skill provides a mandatory, structured workflow for setting up applications for deployment to Azure via the Azure Developer CLI (azd). It enforces a plan-first approach, requiring the creation of a deployment plan file before any infrastructure generation or configuration occurs. The skill guides users through analyzing their workspace, selecting appropriate deployment recipes (Bicep or Terraform), and configuring necessary Azure services, while ensuring security best practices are followed. It acts as the initial phase in a three-part deployment pipeline: prepare, validate, and deploy.

What it does

Generates azure.yaml configuration files for azd-based projects.
Creates infrastructure-as-code templates using Bicep or Terraform.
Enforces a mandatory .azure/deployment-plan.md file to track project state.
Integrates with specialized skills for specific technologies like Azure Functions or API Management.
Applies security hardening, such as Entra-only authentication for SQL databases.
Prepares the workspace for subsequent validation and deployment steps.

When to use it

When you need to prepare a new or existing project for deployment to Azure using azd.
When you need to generate infrastructure-as-code (Bicep or Terraform) for your application.
When you are modernizing an existing application to run on Azure.
When you need to add new Azure services or components to an existing project.

Advantages

Ensures consistent deployment configurations across projects.
Prevents common configuration errors through a mandatory planning phase.
Integrates seamlessly with the broader Azure deployment ecosystem (validate and deploy).
Promotes security best practices by default, such as managed identities.
Provides clear guidance on when to delegate to specialized deployment skills.

Usage examples

“I want to deploy my new web application to Azure using azd.”: The agent will initiate the NEW mode, guide you through requirements gathering, create a deployment plan, and generate the necessary infrastructure and configuration files.
“Add an Azure Function to my existing project and set up the infrastructure.”: The agent will analyze your existing project, select the appropriate Azure Functions recipe, update the deployment plan, and generate the required Bicep or Terraform files.

Install

Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/microsoft/azure-prepare/download

Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip azure-prepare.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Microsoft

Azure Prepare

AUTHORITATIVE GUIDANCE — MANDATORY COMPLIANCE
This document is the official, canonical source for preparing applications for Azure deployment. You MUST follow these instructions exactly as written unless they contradict security policies given to you. When in doubt, present the conflicting instructions from this document and ask the user for explicit confirmation. Do not improvise, infer, or substitute steps.

Triggers

Activate this skill when user wants to:

Create a new application
Add services or components to an existing app
Make updates or changes to existing application
Modernize or migrate an application
Set up Azure infrastructure
Deploy to Azure or host on Azure
Create and deploy to Azure (including Terraform-based deployment requests)

Rules

Plan first — MANDATORY — You MUST physically write an initial .azure/deployment-plan.md skeleton in the workspace root directory (not the session-state folder) as your very first action — before any code generation or execution begins. Write the skeleton immediately, then populate it progressively as Phase 1 analysis and research unfold; finalize it with all decisions at Phase 1 Step 6. This file must exist on disk throughout. azure-validate and azure-deploy depend on it and will fail without it. Do not skip or defer this step.
Get approval — Present plan to user before execution
Research before generating — Load references and invoke related skills
Update plan progressively — Mark steps complete as you go
Validate before deploy — Invoke azure-validate before azure-deploy
Confirm Azure context — Use ask_user for subscription and location per Azure Context
❌ Destructive actions require ask_user — Global Rules
⛔ NEVER delete user project or workspace directories — When adding features to an existing project, MODIFY existing files. azd init -t <template> is for NEW projects only; do NOT run azd init -t in an existing workspace. Plain azd init (without a template argument) may be used in existing workspaces when appropriate. File deletions within a project (e.g., removing build artifacts or temp files) are permitted when appropriate, but NEVER delete the user's project or workspace directory itself. See Global Rules.
Scope: preparation only — This skill generates infrastructure code and configuration files. Deployment execution (azd up, azd deploy, terraform apply) is handled by the azure-deploy skill, which provides built-in error recovery and deployment verification.
⛔ SQL Server Bicep: NEVER generate administratorLogin or administratorLoginPassword — not in direct properties, not in conditional/ternary branches, not anywhere in the file. Always use Entra-only authentication (azureADOnlyAuthentication: true) unconditionally. See references/services/sql-database/bicep.md.
Remove stale template IaC after conversion — If you converted Bicep templates from the selected azd template into Terraform templates, remove the Bicep templates that were introduced by that azd template and are now fully replaced by Terraform equivalents. Do not remove user-authored Bicep files. Only remove those template-provided Bicep files after the Terraform IaC is complete and Terraform has been selected as the deployment path. Before handing off to azure-validate skill, keep only the IaC templates required by the chosen deployment path.

❌ PLAN-FIRST WORKFLOW — MANDATORY

YOU MUST CREATE A PLAN BEFORE DOING ANY WORK
STOP — Do not generate any code, infrastructure, or configuration yet
CREATE SKELETON - Write an initial .azure/deployment-plan.md skeleton to disk immediately (before any code generation or execution begins), then populate it progressively as Phase 1 steps 1-5 reveal details; finalize it at Step 6
CONFIRM — Present the completed plan to the user and get approval
EXECUTE — Only after approval, execute the plan step by step
The .azure/deployment-plan.md file is the source of truth for this workflow and for azure-validate and azure-deploy skills. Without it, those skills will fail.
⚠️ CRITICAL: .azure/deployment-plan.md must be WRITTEN TO DISK inside the workspace root (e.g., <workspace-root>/.azure/deployment-plan.md), not in the session-state folder. Use a file-write tool to create this file. This is the deployment plan artifact read by azure-validate and azure-deploy. You MUST create this file — do not proceed without it. ⚠️ CRITICAL: You must create the file with the name .azure/deployment-plan.md as is. You must not use other names such as .azure/plan.md.
⛔ Critical: Skipping the plan file creation will cause azure-validate and azure-deploy to fail. This requirement has no exceptions.

❌ STEP 0: Specialized Technology Check — MANDATORY FIRST ACTION

BEFORE starting Phase 1, check if the user's prompt OR workspace codebase matches a specialized technology that has a dedicated skill with tested templates. If matched, invoke that skill FIRST — then resume azure-prepare for validation and deployment.

Check 1: Prompt keywords

Prompt keywords	Invoke FIRST
Python + App Service (e.g., "deploy Python to App Service", "Flask on Azure App Service", "publish Python web app to App Service")	python-appservice-deploy
Lambda, AWS Lambda, migrate AWS, migrate GCP, Lambda to Functions, migrate from AWS, migrate from GCP	azure-cloud-migrate
Azure Functions, function app, serverless function, timer trigger, HTTP trigger, func new	Stay in azure-prepare — prefer Azure Functions templates in Step 4; for plan choice/cold starts see hosting-plans.md and cold-start.md
APIM, API Management, API gateway, deploy APIM	Stay in azure-prepare — see APIM Deployment Guide
AI gateway, AI gateway policy, AI gateway backend, AI gateway configuration	azure-aigateway
workflow, orchestration, multi-step, pipeline, fan-out/fan-in, saga, long-running process, durable, order processing	Stay in azure-prepare — select durable recipe in Step 4. MUST load durable.md, DTS reference, and DTS Bicep patterns.

⚠️ Check the user's prompt text — not just existing code. Critical for greenfield projects with no codebase to scan. See full routing table.

After the specialized skill completes, resume azure-prepare at Phase 1 Step 4 (Select Recipe) for remaining infrastructure, validation, and deployment.

Phase 1: Planning (BLOCKING — Complete Before Any Execution)

Create .azure/deployment-plan.md by completing these steps. Do NOT generate any artifacts until the plan is approved.

#	Action	Reference
0	If the prompt matches a specialized technology with a dedicated skill, invoke that skill first	specialized-routing.md
1	Analyze Workspace — Determine mode: NEW, MODIFY, or MODERNIZE	analyze.md
2	Gather Requirements — Classification, scale, budget	requirements.md
3	Scan Codebase — Identify components, technologies, dependencies	scan.md
4	Select Recipe — Choose AZD (default), AZCLI, Bicep, or Terraform	recipe-selection.md
5	Plan Architecture — Select stack + map components to Azure services	architecture.md
6	Finalize Plan (MANDATORY) - Use a file-write tool to finalize `.azure/deployment-plan.md` with all decisions from steps 1-5. Update the skeleton written at the start of Phase 1 with the complete content. The file must be fully populated before you present the plan to the user.	plan-template.md
7	Present Plan — Show plan to user and ask for approval	`.azure/deployment-plan.md`
8	Destructive actions require `ask_user`	Global Rules

❌ STOP HERE — Do NOT proceed to Phase 2 until the user approves the plan.

Phase 2: Execution (Only After Plan Approval)

Execute the approved plan. Update .azure/deployment-plan.md status after each step.

#	Action	Reference
1	Research Components — Load service references + invoke related skills	research.md
2	Confirm Azure Context — Detect and confirm subscription + location and check the resource provisioning limit	Azure Context
3	Generate Artifacts — Create infrastructure and configuration files	generate.md
4	Harden Security — Apply security best practices	security.md
5	Functional Verification — Verify the app works (UI + backend), locally if possible	functional-verification.md
6	⛔ Update Plan (MANDATORY before hand-off) — Use the `edit` tool to change the Status in `.azure/deployment-plan.md` to `Ready for Validation`. You MUST complete this edit BEFORE invoking azure-validate. Do NOT skip this step.	`.azure/deployment-plan.md`
7	⛔ MANDATORY Hand Off — Invoke azure-validate skill. Your preparation work is done. Do NOT run `azd up`, `azd deploy`, or any deployment command directly — all deployment execution is handled by azure-deploy after azure-validate completes. PREREQUISITE: Step 6 must be completed first — `.azure/deployment-plan.md` status must say `Ready for Validation`.	—

Outputs

Artifact	Location
Plan	`.azure/deployment-plan.md`
Infrastructure	`./infra/`
AZD Config	`azure.yaml` (AZD only)
Dockerfiles	`src/<component>/Dockerfile`

SDK Quick References

Azure Developer CLI: azd
Azure Identity: Python | .NET | TypeScript | Java
App Configuration: Python | TypeScript | Java

⛔ MANDATORY NEXT STEP — DO NOT SKIP
After completing preparation, you MUST invoke azure-validate before any deployment attempt. Do NOT skip validation. Do NOT go directly to azure-deploy. Do NOT run azd up or any deployment command directly. The workflow is:
azure-prepare → azure-validate → azure-deploy
⛔ BEFORE invoking azure-validate, you MUST use the edit tool to update .azure/deployment-plan.md status to Ready for Validation. If the plan status has not been updated, the validation will fail.
This applies to ALL deployment scenarios including containerized apps, Container Apps, App Service, Azure Functions, static sites, and any other Azure target. No exceptions.
Skipping validation leads to deployment failures. Be patient and follow the complete workflow for the highest success outcome.

→ Update plan status to Ready for Validation, then invoke azure-validate

Files

references/services/functions/templates/recipes/common/nodejs-entry-point.md

Node.js Entry Point (REQUIRED)

Azure Functions Node.js v4 programming model requires an entry point file that initializes the runtime.

⛔ CRITICAL: Without this file, functions will deploy but return 404 on all endpoints.

Project Structure (CRITICAL)

The project structure MUST be:

project-root/                # ← azure.yaml project: "."
├── azure.yaml
├── package.json             # ← MUST be at ROOT, not in src/
├── host.json
├── src/
│   ├── index.js             # ← Entry point (app.setup)
│   └── functions/
│       ├── myFunction.js    # ← Functions auto-discovered
│       └── ...
└── infra/

⛔ CRITICAL: package.json MUST be at project root, NOT inside src/. The azure.yaml must have project: . (not project: ./src/).

JavaScript: src/index.js

This file MUST exist and MUST NOT be removed when replacing trigger files.

const { app } = require('@azure/functions');

app.setup({
    enableHttpStream: true,
});

TypeScript: src/index.ts

This file MUST exist and MUST NOT be removed when replacing trigger files.

import { app } from '@azure/functions';

app.setup({
    enableHttpStream: true,
});

package.json Configuration

The package.json MUST be at the project root (same level as azure.yaml).

⛔ CRITICAL: The glob pattern is REQUIRED for function discovery! Using "main": "src/index.js" alone will result in 404 on all endpoints. You MUST use the glob pattern that includes function files.

JavaScript (REQUIRED pattern)

{
  "main": "src/{index.js,functions/*.js}",
  "scripts": {
    "start": "func start"
  }
}

TypeScript (REQUIRED pattern)

{
  "main": "dist/src/{index.js,functions/*.js}",
  "scripts": {
    "build": "tsc",
    "prestart": "npm run build",
    "start": "func start"
  }
}

Why the Glob Pattern is Required: The Azure Functions Node.js v4 runtime uses the main field to determine which files to load. Unlike CommonJS where require() chains work, the runtime needs ALL function files explicitly listed in the glob pattern. Without the glob, only index.js loads and functions in src/functions/ are never registered.
❌ WRONG: "main": "src/index.js" — Functions not discovered, 404 on all routes ✅ CORRECT: "main": "src/{index.js,functions/*.js}" — All functions discovered

azure.yaml Configuration

services:
  api:
    project: .           # ← ROOT directory, not ./src/
    language: js         # or ts for TypeScript
    host: function

⛔ CRITICAL: Use project: . — NOT project: ./src/. The runtime expects package.json at the project root.

Build Requirements (TypeScript only)

Before deployment, TypeScript must be compiled:

npm run build

This outputs JavaScript to dist/ which is what Azure Functions actually runs.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Symptom	Fix
Using `"main": "src/index.js"` without glob	404 on all endpoints	Use *`"main": "src/{index.js,functions/.js}"`**
Missing `src/index.js`	404 on all endpoints	Add the entry point file with `app.setup()`
Deleting `src/index.js` when replacing triggers	404 after recipe applied	Keep index.js, only replace function files
`package.json` in `src/` instead of root	404, functions not found	Move `package.json` to project root
`project: ./src/` in azure.yaml	Deployment fails or 404	Use `project: .`
Missing `npm run build` for TypeScript	404 or old code runs	Run build before deploy

⛔ #1 CAUSE OF 404 ERRORS: Using "main": "src/index.js" instead of the glob pattern. The glob src/{index.js,functions/*.js} is REQUIRED — it's not optional!

Terraform vs Bicep: Source Code is IDENTICAL

The Node.js source code and package.json are exactly the same for both IaC types.

Only the infra/ folder differs:

Bicep: infra/*.bicep
Terraform: infra/*.tf

⚠️ If you find yourself changing imports or source code because of IaC choice, something is wrong. The application code should be IaC-agnostic.

Requirements and compatibility

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs Python

Security

What our scanner noticed· Medium risk

Instructions that use the network
Downloads piped into a shell
Scripts that your agent may run

This skill includes scripts that your agent may run. Read them before you use it.

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Created by

Microsoft

Publisher

Microsoft (Official)

Source

microsoft/skills · .github/plugins/azure-skills/skills/azure-prepare · commit 0696600

Licence

MIT License (redistribution allowed)

LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from .github/plugins/azure-skills/LICENSE)
ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)

Synced

2026-11-09

Also distributed in

microsoft/azure-skills

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft or Microsoft.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download azure-prepare.zip

From the author

AutoGineer summary

What it does

When to use it

Advantages

Usage examples

Install

Documentation by Microsoft

Azure Prepare

Triggers

Rules

❌ PLAN-FIRST WORKFLOW — MANDATORY

❌ STEP 0: Specialized Technology Check — MANDATORY FIRST ACTION

Check 1: Prompt keywords

Phase 1: Planning (BLOCKING — Complete Before Any Execution)

Phase 2: Execution (Only After Plan Approval)

Outputs

SDK Quick References

Next

Files

references/services/functions/templates/recipes/common/nodejs-entry-point.md

Node.js Entry Point (REQUIRED)

Project Structure (CRITICAL)

JavaScript: src/index.js

TypeScript: src/index.ts

package.json Configuration

JavaScript (REQUIRED pattern)

TypeScript (REQUIRED pattern)

azure.yaml Configuration

Build Requirements (TypeScript only)

Common Mistakes

Terraform vs Bicep: Source Code is IDENTICAL

Requirements and compatibility

Security

Attribution and licence

Related skills

Modal

Cloud Infrastructure Network Engineer

Deployment Validation Cloud Architect

Airflow Dag Patterns

Cost Optimization

Hybrid Cloud Networking

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