How To Choose Between Webjobs Vs Azure Functions ?

As cloud computing is getting popular, demand for serverless computing is on a steep rise. Microsoft Azure provides WebJobs and Azure Functions, which enable running a program without needing to set up a cloud server first. This helps handle background tasks and scheduled automations. In this article, we will start with a basic introduction of each service, followed by a case. Finally, helping you choose between WebJobs and Azure Functions based on your project requirements.

Before diving into comparison, let's first understand what WebJobs and Azure Functions are.

What Is WebJobs?

WebJobs are part of the Azure App Service. This enables the execution of background tasks alongside a web app. They can be run continuously or triggered by specific events. This event could be pulled from another Azure service like changes in storage, messages in a queue, or HTTP requests. WebJobs also allows for a script to be run in the same instance as a web app, mobile app, or app. The Azure WebJobs SDK can be used with WebJobs to simplify many common tasks.

Programming Languages Supported By WebJobs

• Windows Powershell: ( .ps1 files )
• Windows cmd: ( .cmd files )
• Windows Executable: ( .exe and .bat files )
• Bash: ( .sh files )
• Python: ( .py files )
• Node.js: ( .js files )
• Java: ( .jar files )
• PHP: ( .php files )

What Is Azure Functions ?

On the other hand, Azure Functions is a serverless computing service. This allows running event-triggers code without explicitly provisioning or managing infrastructure. Similar to WebJobs, Azure Functions can be triggered by various events like HTTP requests, database changes, or timers.

Programming Languages Supported By Azure Functions

The following are the languages that Generally Available (GA), meaning they are fully supported and approved for production use.

• C Sharp:( .cs files )
• Java: ( .jar files )
• JavaScript:( .js files )
• Python: ( .py files )
• Powershell: ( .ps1 files )
• TypeScript: ( .ts files )

Apart from the above, Azure Functions also has Preview languages that are not yet supported by expected be in the near future.

Factors To Consider Choosing Between WebJobs And Azure Functions

The following are list of important factors that need to be considered before choosing between WebJobs and Azure Functions.

Consider Workload Type

1. WebJobs

• Suitable for longer running and resource intensive processes that require a dedicated environment.
• These provide full control over the execution environment, allowing for greater flexibility.

2. Azure Functions

• Useful for lighter and short lived tasks, making full use of serverless scenarios.
• Perfect for event-driven architectures, minimal initial setup required.

Trigger Mechanisms

1. WebJobs

• Trigger types supported include continuous, on-demand, and scheduled.
• Changes in storage, queues, or specific HTTP requests can be used as triggers.

2. Azure Functions

• Offers a wider range of event triggers, including HTTP, timers, queues.
• Events from other Azure services can also be used as triggers.

Development and Deployment

1. WebJobs

• Deployed as part of an Azure App Service.
• It runs in a predefined environment.
• Provides support for wider languages.

2. Azure Functions

• Designed for serverless deployment.
• Supports popular languages, allowing for rapid development and simplified deployment.

Cost Considerations

1. WebJobs

• Costs depend on hosting plan of the associated App Service, hence may vary.
• As this is used for resource intensive and longer running tasks, may lead to higher costs.

2. Azure Functions

• Follows a pay per use or consumption-based pricing model.
• As only actual execution time is used for calculating price, it is generally cheaper.

Example Projects

Let's consider an example scenario where we need to process images that have been uploaded to Azure Storage.

WebJobs: A WebJob can continuously monitor the storage for new images and process them as they arrive.

Azure Functions: An Azure Function triggered by a new image upload event can process the image immediately and scale automatically based on demand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice depends on your specific project requirements. Consider workload type, trigger mechanisms, development and deployment preferences, and cost implications to make an informed decision tailored to project needs. For long-running, continuously executing tasks, WebJobs might be the right fit as it also provides more control over the environment. On the other hand, for a serverless, event-driven approach Azure Functions could be the better choice as it is also a cost-effective option. Both WebJobs and Azure Functions are robot offerings by Microsoft Azure.

WebJobs And Azure Functions - FAQs

Is Azure Functions A PaaS?

Microsoft Azure provides Azure Functions a platform to runs small, single-task code without requiring new infrastructure to be spun up. Hence, it can be considered as PaaS or Platform as a Service.

How Does WebJobs And Azure Functions Scale?

While WebJobs can be manually scaled, Azure Functions offer automatic scaling based on the number of incoming events or requests.

What Is The Maximum Deployment Size For Azure Functions ?

Maximum size for deployment package is 1Gb.

What Is The Maximum Execution Time For Azure Functions ?

The default execution time limit is 5 minutes. This limit can be increased to upto 10 minutes. For extra execution time, Premium and App Service plans could be used for which maximum time is unlimited.

Which Is More Cost-Effective For Workloads?

With consumption-based pricing, Azure Functions is generally more cost-effective for sporadic or infrequent workloads.