dockerized-python-azure-vm

A step-by-step project to Dockerize a Python Flask application and deploy it on an Azure Virtual Machine, featuring Docker, Docker Compose, and automation scripts.

Here's a step-by-step guide to Dockerize a Python application on an Azure Virtual Machine (VM):

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Prerequisites

1. Azure VM: Create an Azure VM (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 recommended) with public IP.

2. Docker Installed: Install Docker on the VM.

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install -y docker.io
   sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

   Log out and log back in for group changes to take effect.

3. Docker Compose Installed:

   sudo apt install -y docker-compose

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Step 1: Write the Python Code

Create a simple Python application. Example: a Flask app.

app.py:

from flask import Flask

app = Flask(__name__)

@app.route('/')
def home():
    return "Hello, Azure Dockerized Python App!"

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)

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Step 2: Create a Requirements File

List Python dependencies in a requirements.txt file.

requirements.txt:

flask

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Step 3: Create a Dockerfile

Define the steps to containerize the Python application.

Dockerfile:

# Use an official Python runtime as a parent image
FROM python:3.9-slim

# Set the working directory in the container
WORKDIR /app

# Copy the current directory contents into the container
COPY . /app

# Install the dependencies
RUN pip install --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt

# Make port 5000 available to the outside world
EXPOSE 5000

# Run the application
CMD ["python", "app.py"]

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Step 4: Build and Run Docker Container

1. Transfer Files to VM: Use SCP or Filezilla to transfer app.py, requirements.txt, and Dockerfile to your VM.

2. SSH into VM:

   ssh <your_username>@<vm_public_ip>

3. Build the Docker Image:

   docker build -t flask-app .

4. Run the Docker Container:

   docker run -d -p 5000:5000 flask-app

5. Test the Application: Open your browser and go to http://<vm_public_ip>:5000. You should see "Hello, Azure Dockerized Python App!".

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Step 5: Optional - Use Docker Compose

If your project grows (e.g., with a database), use Docker Compose.

docker-compose.yml:

version: '3.8'

services:
  web:
    build: .
    ports:
      - "5000:5000"

Run the application with:

docker-compose up -d

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Step 6: Automate Deployment

For automated deployment, create a Bash script or use CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps.

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Let me know if you'd like further assistance with deploying this project!