Configure App Service settings including TLS, API, and connections
5 minutes
5 Questions
Azure App Service settings configuration involves managing TLS/SSL, API settings, and connection strings to ensure secure and efficient application deployment. For TLS (Transport Layer Security) configuration, you navigate to the Azure Portal, select your App Service, and access the TLS/SSL setting…Azure App Service settings configuration involves managing TLS/SSL, API settings, and connection strings to ensure secure and efficient application deployment. For TLS (Transport Layer Security) configuration, you navigate to the Azure Portal, select your App Service, and access the TLS/SSL settings blade. Here you can enforce HTTPS-only traffic by enabling the HTTPS Only option, which redirects all HTTP requests to HTTPS. You can also set the minimum TLS version (1.0, 1.1, or 1.2) to enhance security, with TLS 1.2 being the recommended standard. Custom SSL certificates can be uploaded or purchased through Azure, and you can bind these certificates to custom domains. API settings in App Service allow you to configure how your application exposes and consumes APIs. Through the API Management integration, you can import your App Service as an API, apply policies, and manage versioning. CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) settings can be configured to specify which origins are permitted to access your API endpoints. You can define allowed origins, methods, and headers through the CORS blade in your App Service configuration. Connection strings configuration enables your application to connect to databases and other Azure services. In the Configuration blade, you can add connection strings with specific types such as SQLServer, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Custom. These connection strings override values in your application configuration files when deployed. App settings work similarly, storing key-value pairs that your application can access as environment variables. Both connection strings and app settings support slot-specific configurations, meaning you can have different values for production and staging environments. For sensitive information, Azure Key Vault references can be used instead of storing secrets in plain text, providing an additional security layer for your application configurations.
Configure App Service Settings: TLS, API, and Connections
Why This Topic Is Important
Azure App Service configuration is a fundamental skill for the AZ-204 exam. Understanding how to properly configure TLS settings, API connections, and general application settings ensures your applications are secure, performant, and properly integrated with other Azure services. This knowledge is essential for building production-ready cloud applications.
What Are App Service Settings?
App Service settings encompass various configuration options that control how your web application behaves, connects to resources, and secures communications. The three key areas include:
TLS/SSL Settings: Transport Layer Security configurations that encrypt data in transit between clients and your application.
API Settings: Configurations for API management, CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing), and API versioning.
Connection Settings: Database connection strings, application settings, and references to external services.
How TLS Configuration Works
TLS in App Service can be configured through several options:
• Minimum TLS Version: Set to 1.0, 1.1, or 1.2 (1.2 recommended for security) • HTTPS Only: Forces all HTTP traffic to redirect to HTTPS • Custom SSL Certificates: Upload and bind certificates to custom domains • Managed Certificates: Free certificates provided by Azure for custom domains
How API Settings Work
Key API configurations include:
• CORS: Define allowed origins that can make cross-origin requests • API Definition: Link to OpenAPI/Swagger documentation • Authentication: Configure identity providers for API access
How Connection Settings Work
Connection configurations are managed through:
• Application Settings: Key-value pairs accessible as environment variables • Connection Strings: Database connection information with type specification (SQLServer, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Custom) • Key Vault References: Secure references to secrets stored in Azure Key Vault using the format @Microsoft.KeyVault(SecretUri=...)
Configuration Methods
Settings can be configured via: • Azure Portal • Azure CLI using az webapp config commands • ARM templates • Azure PowerShell • Application code during deployment
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on App Service Settings
1. Remember TLS Version Defaults: Know that TLS 1.2 is the recommended minimum version for production applications. Questions often test whether you understand security implications.
2. Understand Connection String Types: Be familiar with the four connection string types: SQLServer, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Custom. The type affects the environment variable prefix.
3. CORS Configuration: Remember that an asterisk (*) allows all origins but is not recommended for production. Specific origins should be listed for security.
4. Key Vault References Format: Memorize the syntax @Microsoft.KeyVault(SecretUri=https://vault-name.vault.azure.net/secrets/secret-name/) as questions may test this exact format.
5. Application Settings vs Connection Strings: Application settings become environment variables, while connection strings are prefixed based on their type (e.g., SQLCONNSTR_ for SQL Server).
6. Slot Settings: Understand that settings can be marked as slot-specific, meaning they stay with the slot during swaps rather than following the application code.
7. HTTPS Enforcement: Know that the HTTPS Only setting redirects HTTP requests to HTTPS with a 307 redirect status code.
8. Managed Identity: When questions involve secure connections to Azure resources, managed identity is often the preferred authentication method over stored credentials.
9. CLI Commands: Be familiar with az webapp config appsettings set and az webapp config connection-string set command structures.
10. Certificate Binding: Understand SNI SSL vs IP-based SSL binding and when each is appropriate (SNI is more common and cost-effective).