Debugging Your Code with Azure Kudu Service Using .NET Commands ??

Debugging applications deployed on Azure App Service can sometimes feel challenging. Thankfully, Azure provides a powerful tool called Kudu that allows developers to run commands directly on the server, inspect files, and even debug their apps without republishing.

Let’s explore how to debug your code using Azure Kudu Service and run .NET commands effectively.

What is Azure Kudu Service? ??

Azure Kudu is the engine behind the App Service. It provides:

• A Console Interface to run commands.
• File Explorer to inspect deployed files.
• Git Deployment Features.
• Diagnostics Tools for better debugging.

Kudu allows you to run .NET commands on your server, helping you debug issues live.

Accessing Kudu ??

1. Go to your Azure Portal.
2. Open your App Service.
3. Navigate to the Advanced Tools (Kudu).
4. Click on Go to Kudu.

You’ll see a dashboard with tabs like Debug Console, Process Explorer, and more.

Running .NET Commands in Kudu ??

Once inside the Kudu interface:

1. Click on the Debug Console tab.
2. Choose either CMD or PowerShell (depending on your preference).

You can now execute .NET commands directly in the server environment.

Example Commands ???

Here are some common commands you can run to debug your application:

Check .NET SDK Version

dotnet --version        

This ensures that the correct version of .NET is installed.

List All Installed SDKs

dotnet --list-sdks        

This command shows all available SDKs, helping you ensure compatibility with your app.

Run Your Application You can run your .NET application manually to check for runtime errors:

dotnet yourapp.dll        

Replace yourapp.dll with the name of your compiled DLL file (found in the bin folder).

Inspect Logs Use dotnet to log detailed information:

dotnet run --verbosity detailed        

This provides verbose output, useful for debugging errors.

Debugging Tips ??

1. Check Application Files

Use Kudu’s file explorer to navigate to your app's deployment directory (e.g., /site/wwwroot). Inspect configuration files like appsettings.json or any missing files.

2. Restart the Application

If you make changes, restart the application to apply updates:

Restart-WebApp        

Sample Debugging Scenario: "Application Not Starting" ??

Imagine your app isn’t starting, and you want to check why. Follow these steps:

1.Check Deployed Files Ensure that all the necessary files (e.g., web.config, DLLs) are present in /site/wwwroot.

2.Run the App Manually Navigate to the directory and run:

cd /site/wwwroot
dotnet yourapp.dll        

3.Inspect ErrorsIf you encounter errors, they’ll appear in the console. Use the output to debug and fix the issue locally.

Benefits of Using Kudu ???

• Immediate Feedback: Test your app without redeploying.
• Full Server Access: Inspect server-side logs and environment variables.
• Simplified Debugging: Quickly identify and resolve deployment issues.

References and Additional Resources ??

• Overview of Azure Kudu Service
• Using the Debug Console in Kudu
• Running .NET Applications in Azure

Conclusion ??

Azure Kudu is a lifesaver for developers, enabling quick and efficient debugging directly on the server. By using .NET commands and exploring the tools Kudu provides, you can resolve deployment issues and get your app back on track.

Ready to dive in? Log in to Azure and unleash the power of Kudu today! ??