Sadly, Azure Bicep and ARM Templates lack a built-in option for local deployment trials, particularly when your template involves variables, parameters, functions, and outputs. To test the functionality of certain functions or data structures, deploying them in Azure is still necessary. This challenge persists, meaning each time you wish to experiment with just your variables and outputs, initiating a deployment via AZ_CLI
or PowerShell
is required to observe the outcomes.
However, the Bicep team has been working on a new feature that will make this process much more straightforward. The new feature, known as the "Deployment Pane," is currently in preview and available in VSCode. This feature allows you to deploy your Bicep files quickly and easily, without the need to use the Azure CLI or PowerShell.