How to deploy edge applications with the React Boilerplate

The Azion React Boilerplate helps you build a React Single-Page Application (SPA) and run it directly on the edge of the network. By executing the boilerplate, several steps are automated, from repository management to edge deployment.

This template uses React version 18.2.0.

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.

Deploying the template

You can obtain and configure your template through the Azion Console. To easily deploy it at the edge, click the button below.

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

With the integration of the Azion Bundler framework adapter, the application undergoes an optimized build process, emphasizing optimal performance and efficiency.

The script creates a GitHub repository to manage the source code and then it installs all required dependencies. The template also includes a GitHub Action to enable continuous deployment.

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.

Besides that, your application is deployed on the Azion Edge Platform and while carrying out multiple configurations, such as setting up the edge application and its domain to host your React project and an edge function for custom logic.

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 Console.

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

1. Access 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 the React Boilerplate 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.