Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates are JSON files that define the infrastructure and configuration for your Azure solution. They enable you to deploy and manage various Azure resources declaratively.

Here is a guide to setting up and deploying ARM templates:

1. Structure of an ARM Template

An ARM template typically consists of the following sections:

• $schema: Location of the JSON schema file that describes the version of the template language.
• contentVersion: Version of the template (e.g., "1.0.0.0").
• parameters: Values provided during deployment that can customize the template.
• variables: Values used to simplify template expressions.
• resources: Resources to be deployed.
• outputs: Values to be returned after deployment.

Example template:

{
  "$schema": "<https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentTemplate.json#>",
  "contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
  "parameters": {
    "storageAccountName": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "location": {
      "type": "string",
      "defaultValue": "West US",
      "allowedValues": ["East US", "West US", "West Europe", "Southeast Asia"],
      "metadata": {
        "description": "Location for the storage account."
      }
    }
  },
  "resources": [
    {
      "type": "Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts",
      "apiVersion": "2019-04-01",
      "name": "[parameters('storageAccountName')]",
      "location": "[parameters('location')]",
      "sku": {
        "name": "Standard_LRS"
      },
      "kind": "StorageV2",
      "properties": {}
    }
  ],
  "outputs": {
    "storageAccountName": {
      "type": "string",
      "value": "[parameters('storageAccountName')]"
    }
  }
}

2. Creating an ARM Template

1. Define Parameters: Add parameters for customizable inputs during deployment.
2. Define Resources: Specify the resources to be deployed, including their properties and configurations.
3. Use Variables: Simplify your template by defining reusable values.
4. Outputs: Provide outputs for post-deployment information.

3. Deploying an ARM Template

You can deploy an ARM template using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or PowerShell.

Using Azure Portal