Explain what is Azure Blueprint with Examples

 As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Azure Blueprints is a service provided by Microsoft Azure that helps users define and orchestrate sets of Azure resources that can be repeatedly deployed with confidence. Blueprints can be used to ensure that environments are built consistently and comply with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices. They are particularly useful for large enterprises and organizations that need to manage and enforce standards across multiple subscriptions.

Azure Blueprints typically include the following components:

1. Blueprint Definitions: These are the core components of Azure Blueprints, representing the entire environment. A Blueprint Definition includes artifacts, parameters, and versions. Artifacts define the resources to be deployed, such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, role assignments, and policy assignments.

2. Artifacts: These are the building blocks of a Blueprint. Artifacts define the resources that will be deployed as part of the Blueprint. For example, an artifact can be an ARM template for creating a virtual network, or it could be a policy assignment to enforce certain compliance rules.

3. Parameters: Parameters allow you to customize the Blueprint deployment. They act as variables that can be defined when the Blueprint is assigned, allowing you to tailor the deployment to specific requirements.

Here's a basic example to illustrate how you might define a simple Azure Blueprint using ARM templates:

Let's say you want to create a Blueprint for deploying a standard virtual network with specific configurations.

1. Create an ARM Template:

   {
     "$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentTemplate.json#",
     "contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
     "resources": [
       {
         "type": "Microsoft.Network/virtualNetworks",
         "apiVersion": "2019-11-01",
         "name": "[parameters('virtualNetworkName')]",
         "location": "[parameters('location')]",
         "properties": {
           "addressSpace": {
             "addressPrefixes": [
               "10.0.0.0/16"
             ]
           }
         }
       }
     ]
   }
   

2. Create a Blueprint Definition: Define a Blueprint that includes this ARM template as an artifact. You would also specify parameters that users can customize.

   {
     "$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/blueprint.json#",
     "contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
     "resources": [
       {
         "type": "Microsoft.Blueprint/blueprints",
         "apiVersion": "2018-11-01-preview",
         "name": "[parameters('blueprintName')]",
         "location": "[parameters('location')]",
         "properties": {
           "targetScope": "[parameters('targetScope')]",
           "parameters": {
             "virtualNetworkName": {
               "value": "[parameters('virtualNetworkName')]"
             },
             "location": {
               "value": "[parameters('location')]"
             }
           },
           "resourceGroups": {
             "vnetRG": {
               "location": "[parameters('location')]",
               "properties": {
                 "description": "Resource group for the virtual network"
               }
             }
           },
           "artifactSets": {
             "template": {
               "artifacts": [
                 {
                   "name": "vnetArtifact",
                   "resourceGroup": "vnetRG",
                   "instance": {
                     "template": {
                       "$templateLink": "[parameters('armTemplateLink')]"
                     }
                   }
                 }
               ]
             }
           }
         }
       }
     ]
   }
   

3. Assign the Blueprint: Once the Blueprint is defined, it can be assigned to a specific scope (management group, subscription, or resource group) within your Azure environment.

This is a simplified example, and in real-world scenarios, you might include more complex configurations, policies, and role assignments within your Blueprint to enforce governance and compliance. Keep in mind that Azure services and features are regularly updated, so it's a good idea to check the official Azure documentation for the latest information and examples related to Azure Blueprints.