Azure is a cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft that provides a wide range of services for building, deploying, and managing applications. It offers a variety of services such as virtual machines, storage, databases, and more. If you’re new to Azure and want to get started as a developer, here’s a guide on how to get started:

1. Sign up for an Azure account: The first step is to create an Azure account. You can sign up for a free trial or purchase a subscription. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to access the Azure portal, where you can manage your services and resources.
2. Explore the Azure portal: Once you have an account, take some time to explore the Azure portal. This is where you’ll be able to manage your services and resources. Familiarize yourself with the different sections, such as the dashboard, the navigation menu, and the resource groups.
3. Learn the basics of Azure services: Azure offers a wide range of services, and it’s important to understand the basics of each service before you start working with them. Learn about the different types of virtual machines, storage options, databases, and other services that Azure offers.
4. Create your first Azure resource: Once you have a basic understanding of Azure services, try creating your first Azure resource. For example, you can create a virtual machine, a storage account, or a database. This will give you hands-on experience with Azure and help you understand how to work with resources.
5. Develop your first Azure application: After you’ve created your first Azure resource, try developing your first Azure application. Azure offers a variety of tools and frameworks for different programming languages and platforms. You can use Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, or Azure CLI to develop your application.
6. Deploy your application: Once you’ve developed your application, you’ll need to deploy it to Azure. Azure offers various options for deploying your application, such as Azure App Service, Azure Functions, or Azure Container Service. Learn about the different deployment options and choose the one that best suits your needs.
7. Monitor and maintain your application: After your application is deployed, you’ll need to monitor and maintain it. Azure offers various monitoring and logging tools to help you track the performance and usage of your application. You’ll also need to update and patch your application as necessary.

In conclusion, getting started with Azure as a developer requires creating an Azure account, exploring the Azure portal, learning the basics of Azure services, creating your first Azure resource, developing your first Azure application, deploying your application, and monitoring and maintaining your application. With this guide, you will be able to get started on Azure and start building, deploying, and managing your applications with Azure.