As we move into 2025, innovation in infrastructure as code continues to transform how we manage and deploy resources. One of the most exciting updates in the latest version of Bicep is the Deployer Function, a feature that simplifies dynamic access to deployment information.

 

Jonathan D’Aloia, Principal DevOps Engineer, recently demonstrated how this new capability works and why it’s a game-changer for DevOps professionals.

 

What Is the Deployer Function?

 

The Deployer Function provides a way to dynamically retrieve information about the user or service principal executing your infrastructure deployment. With this feature, you can reference critical deployment data—such as object IDs—directly within your infrastructure as code.

 

This functionality is particularly useful for assigning roles and permissions dynamically. For example, it enables you to:

  • Retrieve the object ID of a service principal executing the deployment.
  • Use that object ID to assign roles such as Key Vault Administrator.

 

This eliminates the need for manual intervention or additional scripting, streamlining deployments while ensuring robust security configurations.

 

How Does It Work?

 

Jonathan’s demonstration outlined the simplicity of using the Deployer Function:

  1. Ensure You’re Running the Latest Bicep Version
    Before diving into the functionality, update to the latest version of Bicep (e.g., 0.3.2.4) to access this feature.
  2. Create a Basic Bicep Template
    Jonathan used a template leveraging Azure Verified Modules to deploy a Resource Group and a Key Vault.
  3. Assign Roles Dynamically
    By referencing the Deployer Function, he retrieved the object ID of the deployment principal and dynamically assigned the Key Vault Administrator role.

 

This approach avoids delays and reduces the need for manual processes, such as navigating to Entra to fetch object IDs or requesting access permissions.

 

Why It Matters

 

The Deployer Function addresses key challenges in modern DevOps practices:

  • Efficiency: Automate role assignments and permissions as part of your deployment process.
  • Security: Ensure precise access control without manual intervention.
  • Simplicity: Reduce dependency on additional tools or workflows for managing permissions.

 

Looking Ahead

 

This demonstration is just the beginning. The Deployer Function opens up new possibilities for integrating dynamic permissions into CI/CD pipelines, allowing teams to automate even the most complex deployments.

 

Jonathan’s commitment to exploring and showcasing these capabilities ensures that 2025 will be packed with innovation. Stay tuned for more insights on how to optimise your Azure deployments with Bicep.

 

For a detailed walkthrough of the Deployer Function, check out Jonathan’s video here.