Choosing Right Programming Language - Azure Functions Runtime
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Choosing Right Programming Language - Azure Functions Runtime
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#ServerlessTips - Azure Functions
Author: Steef-Jan Wiggers Azure MVP
Use a Programming Language that best serves your needs
With Azure Functions, you can choose between several programming languages depending on which runtime you select. The 1.x runtime supports C# (Full .NET Framework), JavaScript (Node 6), F# (Framework 4.7), and a few languages to experiment with (Python, TypeScript, PHP, Bash, and PowerShell), while 2.x runtime support C#, F# (.NET Core 2), JavaScript (Node 8 and 10), and previews of Java (version 8) and Python (version 3.6).
The experimental languages in runtime 1.x do not scale well, nor have all the bindings.
Microsoft pushes user of Functions to use 2.x runtime, and depending on your use case you can pick the language that best suits you. Each programming language supports a variety of use cases (scenarios) with a subtle difference when it comes platforms - JavaScript, Java and Python can be used cross-platform.
| Language | Use case/Scenario |
|---|---|
| C# | Real-time processing, SaaS-event processing, small tasks, integration with Logic Apps, timer-based processing, and automation scenarios. |
| F# | Real-time processing, SaaS-event processing, small tasks, and automation scenarios. |
| JavaScript (Node 8 and 10) | Real-time processing, SaaS-event processing, small tasks, and automation scenarios. |
| Python | Data manipulation, machine learning, scripting, and automation scenarios. |
| Java | Real-time processing, SaaS-event processing, small tasks, and automation scenarios. |
Furthermore, a language that makes you the most productive with the appropriate tooling (Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, or other supported IDE) can also a be a decisive factor.
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