Azure Cosmos DB for AI & Modern Applications training

Introduction

Welcome to Azure Cosmos DB for AI & Modern Applications training! This is a challenge-based learning experience designed to teach you how to build scalable, high-performance, and cost-optimized applications using Azure Cosmos DB. Through hands-on challenges, you'll explore data modeling, full-text and vector search, AI agent development, security, and cost optimization strategies.

This hack blends technical deep dives with practical exercises covering real-world scenarios where Azure Cosmos DB shines - from IoT applications to AI-powered systems. You'll also explore the latest innovations in Cosmos DB, including its integration with AI services and modern application patterns.

Learning Objectives

In this hack you will learn how to:

• Design and implement effective data models for Azure Cosmos DB
• Understand partitioning strategies and indexing policies for optimal performance
• Build AI-powered applications using Cosmos DB's vector search capabilities
• Implement full-text search, vector search, and hybrid search patterns
• Develop multi-agent systems with Azure Cosmos DB as the data foundation
• Apply security best practices including RBAC, encryption, and private endpoints
• Optimize costs through autoscale, TTL, and indexing tuning strategies
• Monitor and troubleshoot Cosmos DB performance using diagnostic tools
• Leverage the latest Cosmos DB features for modern application development

Challenges

This hack has the following challenges:

• Challenge 00: Prerequisites - Ready, Set, GO!
  • Validate development environment, check the Azure environment, configure basics, and validate connectivity
• Challenge 01: Data Modeling & Query Optimization
  • Design partitioned data models, write efficient queries, and analyze performance
• Challenge 02: AI-Powered Search with Vector Embeddings
  • Build AI agents with full-text, vector, and hybrid search capabilities
• Challenge 03: Monitoring, Autoscale, and Security in Azure Cosmos DB
  • Implement monitoring, autoscale, and security in Azure Cosmos DB

Prerequisites

Before starting this hack, you should have:

• Technical Skills:

  • Basic familiarity with NoSQL databases and the Azure Portal
  • Understanding of REST APIs and JSON
  • Experience with at least one programming language (Python, C#, Node.js)
  • Basic knowledge of cloud computing concepts

• Basic Requirements:

  • Access to RDP (Remote Desktop)
  • Install Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile phone
  • Keep the User Name, Password & Computer Name handy (sent to you over an email)

Get Started

Step-1: Open Remote Desktop / Windows + run --> type mstsc.

Step-2: Specify the Credentials as:

  Computer Name e.g. xxx.region.cloudapp.azure.com 
  User Name e.g. Nosqlxxx
  Password

Now you are into the VM and it is time to start with First lab click to start Prerequisites - Ready, Set, GO!

Repository Contents

• ./Student
  • Student's Challenge Guide
  • /Resources
    • Resource files, sample code, applications, and templates provided to students
• ./Coach
  • Coach's Guide and related files
  • /Solutions
    • Solution files with completed example answers to each challenge

Contributors

• Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB Team
• Partner Training Content Team