Learning Paths

Learning Paths

Version 3.7.8 | Changelog

From zero to productive in 30 minutes. This comprehensive guide covers setup, your first scenario, exploration paths, and mastery.

⚡ In a hurry? Use Quick Start for 10-minute setup + first demo.

The Journey at a Glance

%%{init: {'theme':'neutral'}}%%
flowchart LR
    A["1️⃣ Setup<br/>15 min"] --> B["2️⃣ First Scenario<br/>30 min"]
    B --> C["3️⃣ Explore<br/>Your pace"]
    C --> D["4️⃣ Master<br/>Ongoing"]

    style A fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2
    style B fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#388e3c
    style C fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00
    style D fill:#fce4ec,stroke:#c2185b

Phase 1: Setup (15 minutes)

Step 1.1: Prerequisites Check

Before you begin, ensure you have:

Step 1.2: Clone and Open

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/jonathan-vella/azure-agentic-infraops.git

# Open in VS Code
code azure-agentic-infraops

Step 1.3: Open in Dev Container

1. Press F1 (or Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
2. Type: Dev Containers: Reopen in Container
3. Press Enter and wait 3-5 minutes

What happens: The Dev Container installs all tools automatically:

• Azure CLI + Bicep CLI
• Terraform + tfsec + Checkov
• PowerShell 7
• 25+ VS Code extensions

Step 1.4: Verify Your Setup

Once the container is ready, run:

# Verify tools are installed
az --version && bicep --version && terraform --version && pwsh --version

✅ You're ready! All tools are configured.

Phase 2: First Scenario (30 minutes)

Your First Win: S01 Bicep Baseline

Goal: Deploy a hub-spoke network to Azure using Copilot-assisted Bicep.

Why this scenario?

• Teaches fundamentals without overwhelming complexity
• Real infrastructure you can see in Azure Portal
• Immediate time savings you can measure

Step 2.1: Navigate to the Scenario

scenarios/
└── S01-bicep-baseline/
    ├── README.md          ← Start here
    ├── DEMO-SCRIPT.md     ← Step-by-step walkthrough
    └── solution/          ← Reference if you get stuck

Step 2.2: Follow the Demo Script

Open scenarios/S01-bicep-baseline/DEMO-SCRIPT.md and follow along:

1. Meet Elena - Understand the character and challenge
2. Discovery prompts - Ask Copilot about Azure networking
3. Build infrastructure - Create VNet, subnets, NSGs with Copilot
4. Deploy - Push to Azure and verify

Step 2.3: Celebrate Your Win 🎉

After completing S01, you've:

• ✅ Used Copilot Chat for infrastructure questions
• ✅ Generated Bicep code with AI assistance
• ✅ Deployed real Azure resources
• ✅ Experienced 70-80% time savings firsthand

Phase 3: Explore (Your Pace)

Choose Your Path

Based on your role and interests, follow one of these learning paths:

Path A: Infrastructure Fundamentals

Best for: IT Pros new to Infrastructure as Code

S01 Bicep Baseline (30 min)
        ↓
S03 Documentation Generation (20 min)
        ↓
S04 Service Validation (30 min)

Total time: ~80 minutes

What you'll learn:

• Bicep/IaC fundamentals
• Auto-generating documentation
• Compliance validation

Path B: Agentic Workflow

Best for: Teams wanting AI-assisted infrastructure development

S01 Bicep Baseline (30 min)
        ↓
S02 Agentic Workflow (45 min)
        ↓
S08 Coding Agent (30 min)

Total time: ~105 minutes

What you'll learn:

• Azure-native Bicep patterns
• Multi-agent orchestration
• Autonomous implementation with Coding Agent

Path C: Operations & Troubleshooting

Best for: DevOps, SRE, Platform Engineers

S04 Service Validation (30 min)
        ↓
S05 Troubleshooting (25 min)
        ↓
S06 SBOM Generator (20 min)

Total time: ~75 minutes

What you'll learn:

• Automated compliance checking
• AI-assisted diagnostics
• Security scanning and SBOM

Path D: Advanced Automation

Best for: Senior architects, automation engineers

S02 Agentic Workflow (45 min)
        ↓
S07 Diagrams as Code (20 min)
        ↓
S08 Coding Agent (30 min)

Total time: ~95 minutes

What you'll learn:

• Multi-agent orchestration
• Diagram automation
• Async implementation with Coding Agent

Phase 4: Master (Ongoing)

The Agentic Workflow

This is the advanced workflow that delivers 96% time savings on complex projects.

%%{init: {'theme':'neutral'}}%%
flowchart LR
    A["Project Planner"] --> B["ADR Generator"]
    B --> C["Azure Architect"]
    C --> D["Bicep Planner"]
    D --> E["Bicep Implement"]

    style A fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2
    style B fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2
    style C fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#388e3c
    style D fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00
    style E fill:#fce4ec,stroke:#c2185b

Workflow Components:

Note: This repository uses a custom Requirements agent (requirements.agent.md) specifically designed for Azure infrastructure requirements gathering. VS Code also has a built-in "Plan" agent for general planning tasks.

How to use:

1. Start with Requirements Agent - Select from agent picker (Ctrl+Alt+I)
2. Describe your project - e.g., "HIPAA-compliant patient portal"
3. Follow agent handoffs - Each agent suggests the next step via buttons
4. Review outputs - Plan files, ADRs, architecture docs, Bicep code

📖 Full guide: S02 Agentic Workflow

GitHub Copilot Coding Agent

Delegate entire GitHub Issues to Copilot for autonomous implementation.

Requirements:

• GitHub Copilot Business or Enterprise
• Coding Agent enabled by org admin

How it works:

1. Create a well-written GitHub Issue
2. Assign to Copilot
3. Copilot analyzes codebase and implements
4. Review the PR Copilot creates

📖 Full guide: S08 Coding Agent

Quick Reference

Key Resources

Common Commands

# Validate Bicep
bicep build main.bicep && bicep lint main.bicep

# Validate Terraform
terraform init && terraform validate && tfsec .

# Deploy to Azure
az deployment group create --resource-group rg-demo --template-file main.bicep

# Run PowerShell validation
pwsh -File validation/validate.ps1

Agent Quick Access

📖 Custom Agents Documentation: VS Code Custom Agents

Troubleshooting

Quick Fixes

📖 Full troubleshooting guide: troubleshooting.md

Covers: Dev Container issues, Copilot problems, Azure deployment errors, custom agents, network/proxy issues, and a complete error message reference.

What's Next?

After completing this guide, you can:

1. Run demos for your team - Use S01 Demo Script
2. Pitch to leadership - Use Executive Pitch
3. Start a pilot - Use Pilot Success Checklist
4. Calculate ROI - Use ROI Calculator

Document Info