Feature	Azure Functions	Azure Logic Apps
Purpose	Execute custom code in response to events	Automate and orchestrate workflows
Development Approach	Requires coding	No/low code visual designer
Execution Model	Event-driven	Workflow-driven
Use Cases	Microservices, background tasks, data processing	Business process automation, data integration
Integration	Limited built-in connectors	Extensive library of connectors
Pricing	Based on execution time and number of executions	Based on number of actions in the workflow
Best For	Developers	Business analysts, IT pros

When to Use What

Azure Functions

• Custom Business Logic: Perfect for putting precise business logic into practice that requires data manipulation or calculation.
• Event-Driven Tasks: Ideal for jobs that are started by predetermined events, such scheduled jobs or database modifications.
• Microservices: Easily integrates into a microservices architecture, enabling the division of larger applications into smaller, more manageable components.

Azure Logic Apps

• Process Automation: when business procedures involving several systems and services need to be automated.
• Integration: Perfect for linking databases, cloud services, CRM, ERP, and other disparate applications.
• Workflow Orchestration: Ideal for situations requiring the definition and administration of intricate workflows involving approvals, conditional logic, and loops.

Using Azure Functions and Logic Apps Practically

1. Open the Azure Portal: Navigate to the Azure portal.
2. Create a New Logic App: Click on “Create a resource” and search for “Logic App”. Fill in the necessary details and click “Create”.

3. Design Workflow: Use the Logic Apps Designer to create your workflow. Add triggers, actions, and conditions to define your process. Use the ‘Create Function’ for adding them. Add your required code in the area specified.

• Integrate with Azure Functions: If needed, add a step to call an Azure Function within your workflow.
• Run and Monitor: Save and run your Logic App. Monitor its execution and handle any exceptions.

Conclusion

While Azure Logic Apps are great at automating intricate operations and many services, Azure Functions are best suited for executing custom code and managing event-driven tasks. Depending on your unique use case and requirements, you can choose between Azure Logic Apps and Azure Functions.

Azure Functions vs. Logic Apps – FAQs

What are the Azure Functions and Logic Apps pricing models?

• Azure Functions: Cost is determined on the quantity and duration of executions. Each month, the first 400,000 gigabytes and one million executions are free.
• Azure Logic Apps: Charged according to the quantity of actions carried out within a workflow. In a Logic App workflow, every operation has an associated cost.

Are Logic Apps able to leverage Azure Functions?

Yes, you can execute custom code inside of an automated process by using Azure Functions from Logic Apps as part of a workflow.

Are long-term jobs a good fit for Azure Functions?

No, short-term jobs are the purpose of Azure Functions. Durable Functions or Azure Logic Apps are suggested for lengthy tasks.

Does using Azure Logic Apps need me to be a programmer?

No, Azure Logic Apps is intended to be a low-code/no-code solution that lets customers utilise a visual designer to develop workflows.

Is it possible to combine Logic Apps with outside services?

Yes, there are many connectors available in Azure Logic Apps to facilitate integration with external services like Salesforce, Office 365, and other platforms.