Context: Consumption & Standard Plans
Azure Logic Apps is like a building that requires some blocks; its key pieces are triggers and actions. Together, they help you build workflows that automate tasks and connect different apps and services. Let’s break down these building blocks so you can better understand them.
FIRST THINGS FIRST! THE TRIGGER
1. What Are Triggers?
Triggers specifies the condition to meet before your workflow can start to run. Think of triggers as the starter pistol for your workflows. They tell your Logic App when to wake up and start running.
Key Features of Triggers:
A workflow always begins with a trigger.
They define the event or condition that initiates your workflow.
Types of Triggers:
Recurrence Trigger: Imagine setting an alarm clock. The recurrence trigger works similarly by running your workflow on a set schedule (e.g., every hour or every Monday at 9 AM). Use Case: Sending a weekly email report to your team.
HTTP Request Trigger: This trigger starts when your app receives a specific HTTP request. Use Case: A website sends a request to Logic Apps when someone fills out a contact form.
Other Triggers: Many connectors (e.g., Office 365, Blob Storage) have triggers, like "when a new file is added" or "when an email arrives."
How to Configure a Trigger:
Open the Azure portal.
Create a Logic App.
Choose your trigger based on your workflow needs.
Configure settings, like recurrence time or HTTP request details.
2. What Are Actions?
Actions are the steps your Logic App takes after the trigger fires. They’re like the instructions your app follows to complete a task.
Key Features of Actions:
Actions execute after the trigger starts the workflow.
They perform tasks like sending emails, processing files, or integrating with other apps.
Commonly Used Actions:
Send an Email
File Processing
Data Manipulation.
How to Configure an Action:
In the Logic Apps Designer, click + New Step.
Choose an action based on your needs.
Enter the required details, like email recipients or file paths.
3. Bringing It Together: Real-Life Examples
Prerequisites-
An Azure account and subscription. If you don't have an Azure subscription, sign up for a free Azure account.
To add a trigger, you must start with a logic app resource and a blank workflow.
To add an action, you must start with a logic app resource and a workflow that minimally has a trigger.
Example 1: Setting Up an Email Trigger
Scenario: You want to send a welcome email to new customers.
Step 1: Use an HTTP request trigger to start the workflow when customer data is submitted.
Step 2: Add an action to send an email using Office 365.
Step 3: Customize the email content with the customer's name and details.
An example of someone using a Consumption Logic plan adding a Trigger Picture Credit: Microsoft Learn
Example 2: Processing Files in Blob Storage
Scenario: You receive weekly reports as files in Azure Blob Storage and need to extract data automatically.
Step 1: Use the Blob Storage trigger, "When a new file is added."
Step 2: Add an action to extract data from the file.
Step 3: Add another action to send the extracted data via email or save it to a database.
4. Why Are Triggers and Actions Important?
Triggers and actions make Azure Logic Apps versatile and user-friendly. It helps you to automate emails, process files, or integrate apps, these building blocks allow you to create powerful workflows with ease.
Key Takeaways:
Triggers start your workflow, and actions define the steps it takes. After the trigger, you need to add one or more actions to complete the tasks you want. Together, the trigger and actions build the logic and structure of your workflow.
Azure Logic Apps offers a wide range of triggers and actions for different use cases.
By combining triggers and actions, you can automate complex tasks and save time.
You can learn more and practice by signing up to Microsoft Learn
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