Azure Storage Account

Overview

• Azure Storage Account provides scalable cloud storage for:
  • Blobs (object storage)
  • Files (SMB/NFS shares)
  • Queues (messaging)
  • Tables (NoSQL key-value)
  • Disks (VM storage)
• Acts as a single namespace to manage all types of storage.
• Provides high availability, durability, and security.

Key Features

• Multiple storage types:
  • Blob Storage: unstructured data (images, videos, logs).
  • File Storage: managed file shares.
  • Queue Storage: reliable messaging between apps.
  • Table Storage: NoSQL key-value database.
  • Disk Storage: for Azure VMs.
• Replication Options:
  • LRS (Locally Redundant Storage)
  • GRS (Geo-Redundant Storage)
  • ZRS (Zone-Redundant Storage)
• Access Control:
  • Shared Access Signature (SAS)
  • Azure AD integration
• Secure: Encryption at rest, HTTPS only access.

Workflow

     +--------------------+
     | User / Application |
     +--------------------+
             |
             v
  +-------------------------+
  |  Azure Storage Account  |
  +-------------------------+
    |      |      |      |
    |      |      |      +---> [ Blob Storage ] (Objects/Files)
    |      |      |
    |      |      +----------> [ File Storage ] (SMB Shares)
    |      |
    |      +-----------------> [ Queue Storage ] (Messaging)
    |
    +------------------------> [ Table Storage ] (NoSQL)
    |
    +------------------------> [ Managed Disks ] (VM Storage)

☁️ Azure Blob Storage Types

In Azure, Blob (Binary Large Object) storage is used to store massive amounts of unstructured data. There are three main types of blobs tailored for different needs.

1. Block Blobs 🧱

Best for: Storing text, binary data, documents, photos, and videos.

• Architecture: Data is broken into small "Blocks". Each block can be managed individually.
• Maximum Size: Up to ~190.7 TiB.
• Key Feature: Optimized for uploading large amounts of data efficiently.
• Hinglish: Ye generic storage hai. Jaise tumhare Google Drive pe photos ya PDF hotey hain, waisa hi Block Blob hai. Data ko chhote-chhote 'blocks' mein baant kar save karta hai.

2. Append Blobs 📝

Best for: Logging and auditing.

• Architecture: Similar to Block Blobs, but you can only add (append) new data to the end of the blob.
• Use Case: Logging data from virtual machines.
• Key Feature: Existing data cannot be modified or deleted; only new data can be added.
• Hinglish: Ye 'Register' ki tarah hai. Tum sirf naya data niche likh sakte ho (Append), purana mita nahi sakte. Logs maintain karne ke liye best hai.

3. Page Blobs 📄

Best for: Random read/write operations and Virtual Machine disks (VHDs).

• Architecture: Data is organized in 512-byte pages.
• Use Case: Azure Virtual Machine disks (OS and Data disks).
• Key Feature: Optimized for random access, meaning you can jump to any part of the file quickly.
• Hinglish: Ye Virtual Machine ki Hard Disk ki tarah kaam karta hai. Isme system kahin bhi (randomly) read/write kar sakta hai.

⚖️ Summary Table: Azure Blobs

Common Use Cases

• Storing application logs, backups, and media files.
• File shares for applications.
• Messaging between microservices using queues.
• Storing structured NoSQL data using tables.
• Persistent storage for VMs.

Steps to Manage Storage Account using Azure CLI

1. Login to Azure

az login

2. Create a Resource Group (if not exists)

az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus

3. Create a Storage Account

az storage account create \
  --name mystorageacct123 \
  --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
  --location eastus \
  --sku Standard_LRS \
  --kind StorageV2

4. List Storage Accounts

az storage account list -o table

5. Get Storage Account Keys

az storage account keys list \
  --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

6. Create a Blob Container

az storage container create \
  --name mycontainer \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

7. Upload a File to Blob

az storage blob upload \
  --container-name mycontainer \
  --file ./localfile.txt \
  --name remotefile.txt \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

8. Download a Blob

az storage blob download \
  --container-name mycontainer \
  --name remotefile.txt \
  --file ./downloadedfile.txt \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

9. Delete Storage Account (Caution!)

az storage account delete --name mystorageacct123 --resource-group MyResourceGroup --yes

Notes

• Storage Account Names must be globally unique and lowercase.
• StorageV2 is recommended (supports all features).
• Use Azure AD authentication for secure access instead of account keys.
• Select replication type based on durability requirements.
• Blob Storage supports Hot, Cool, and Archive tiers for cost optimization.