What is Bicep?

Bicep is a new, easy-to-read language that lets you describe and set up Azure cloud resources. Think of it as a friendlier way to write the same instructions you would normally write in Azure’s older JSON templates.

Let's break it down

  • Bicep: the name of the language, like “Python” or “JavaScript.”
  • Easy-to-read: uses simple words and indentation instead of lots of brackets and commas.
  • Describe Azure resources: you write what you want (a virtual machine, a storage account, etc.) and Bicep turns that into the actual cloud objects.
  • Set up: it actually creates, updates, or removes those objects in Azure for you.

Why does it matter?

Because it makes cloud infrastructure much less scary. Beginners can start building real Azure services without wrestling with complex JSON, which speeds up learning, reduces mistakes, and saves time.

Where is it used?

  • Deploying a web app with a database and networking in a few lines of code.
  • Automating the creation of test environments for developers that can be torn down after use.
  • Managing large, repeatable infrastructure for enterprises (e.g., setting up many virtual networks across regions).
  • Teaching cloud fundamentals in classrooms or bootcamps because the syntax is approachable.

Good things about it

  • Cleaner syntax: far fewer brackets, commas, and quotes than JSON.
  • Built-in validation: catches errors early, before anything is sent to Azure.
  • Modular: you can split code into reusable pieces (modules) and share them.
  • Full Azure support: every Azure resource type works, and new ones appear automatically.
  • Free and open source: no extra cost and you can see or contribute to the code.

Not-so-good things

  • Learning curve for existing JSON users: you need to learn a new language instead of just tweaking old templates.
  • Tooling still maturing: some IDE extensions or CI/CD integrations aren’t as polished as for older tools.
  • Limited cross-cloud use: it’s designed specifically for Azure, so you can’t reuse it for AWS or GCP.
  • Debugging can be indirect: errors are reported after Bicep is compiled to JSON, which can add a step to pinpoint the source.