How to deploy edge applications with the Astro Boilerplate

The Azion Astro Boilerplate helps you build an Astro Single-Page Application (SPA) and run it directly on the edge of the network. It encapsulates and automates several steps, from repository management to edge deployment.

This template uses Astro version 2.6.4.

Requirements

• A GitHub account to connect with Azion and create your new repository.
  • Every push will be deployed automatically to this repository to keep your project updated.
• Enable Edge Functions in your Azion account.
  • To do so:

1. Access Console > Account menu.
2. Select the Billing & Subscriptions option.
3. Select the Subscriptions tab.
4. Activate the switch for the module.

Getting the template

To start using the Astro Boilerplate:

1. Access Console.
2. Click the + Create button on the homepage.
3. In the modal, select the Templates option.
4. Browse and select the Astro Boilerplate card.

Setting up the template

In the configuration form, you must provide the information to configure your application. Fill in the presented fields.

Fields identified with an asterisk are mandatory.

1. Connect Azion with your GitHub account.

• A pop-up window will open to confirm the installation of the Azion GitHub App, a tool that connects your GitHub account with Azion’s platform.
• Define your permissions and repository access as desired.

2. Select the Git Scope to work with.
3. Define a name for your edge application.

• The bucket for storage and the edge function will use the same name.
• Use a unique and easy-to-remember name. If the name has already been used, the platform returns an error message.

4. Click the Deploy button to start the deployment process.

During the deployment, you’ll be able to follow the process through a window showing off the logs. When it’s complete, the page shows information about the application and some options to continue your journey.

Key configurations

The application undergoes an optimized build process, emphasizing optimal performance and efficiency, using the resources of Azion Edge Platform.

The script creates a GitHub repository to manage the source code and then it installs all required dependencies. It also includes a GitHub Action to enable continuous deployment. Besides that, your application is deployed on Azion’s platform and includes multiple configurations, such as setting up the edge application and its domain to host your Astro project and an edge function for custom logic.

The script also commits deployment details to the user’s GitHub repository to maintain a transparent and trackable deployment history, including information related to the version deployed and the timestamp of the deployment.

Managing the template

Considering that this initial setup may not be optimal for your specific edge application, all settings can be customized any time you need by using Azion’s platform.

To manage and edit your edge application’s settings, follow these steps:

1. Access Azion Console.
2. On the upper-left corner, select Products menu > Edge Application.

• You’ll be redirected to the Edge Application page. It lists all the edge applications you’ve created.

3. Find the edge application related to your template and select it.

• The list is organized alphabetically. You can also use the search bar located in the upper-left corner of the list; currently, it filters only by Application Name.

After selecting the edge application you’ll work on, you’ll be directed to a page containing all the settings you can configure.

Adding a custom domain

The edge application created during the deployment has an assigned Azion domain to make it accessible through the browser. The domain has the following format: xxxxxxxxxx.map.azionedge.net/. However, you can add a custom domain for users to access your edge application through it.