Workflows & orchestration
Lambda durable functions vs Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler
Lambda durable functions map to Azure Durable Functions (with the Durable Task Scheduler backend).
Both checkpoint progress and replay code to resume after failures or long waits.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Lambda durable functions | Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Multi-step workflows written as code (Durable Execution SDK) that checkpoint progress, replay after failures, and wait without compute charges. Runs up to one year. | Code-first stateful orchestrations, entities, and timers for Azure Functions (C#, JavaScript, Python, Java, PowerShell). Durable Task Scheduler is a managed backend with Dedicated and Consumption SKUs. |
| Pricing model | Standard Lambda request and duration charges for active steps, plus durable-execution charges (see the Lambda pricing page). Waits don't incur compute charges. | Function execution charges under the hosting plan, plus the state backend. The Durable Task Scheduler is billed by SKU (Dedicated capacity units or Consumption per action). |
| Docs | Lambda durable functions docs | Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler docs |
| Pricing page | Lambda durable functions pricing | Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler pricing |
| Exams | DVA-C02 Retiring | AZ-204 Retired |
Key differences
- Maturity. Durable Functions has been GA on Azure for years, with orchestrator, activity, and entity functions, sub-orchestrations, and external events. Lambda durable functions are newer and use the AWS Durable Execution SDK (steps, waits, callbacks) inside a single Lambda function.
- Duration. Lambda durable executions can run up to one year. Durable Functions orchestrations can run indefinitely (eternal orchestrations).
- Backends. Azure lets you choose a state store (storage provider). Microsoft recommends the Durable Task Scheduler, a managed backend with Dedicated or Consumption SKUs, over bring-your-own storage providers. Lambda manages state for you.
- Step Functions remains AWS's option for visual or ASL workflows. Azure has Logic Apps.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Standard Lambda request and duration charges for active steps, plus durable-execution charges (see the Lambda pricing page). Waits don't incur compute charges. Lambda durable functions pricing →
- Azure
- Function execution charges under the hosting plan, plus the state backend. The Durable Task Scheduler is billed by SKU (Dedicated capacity units or Consumption per action). Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate DVA-C02 | AWS | Associate | retiring Being updated to DVA-C03. Registration for DVA-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take DVA-C02 is Nov 30, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Developer Associate AZ-204 | Azure | Associate | retired The certification and renewal assessment are retired (the page doesn't give a date). The closest current developer credential is AI-200 (Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate). That's our reading, not an official mapping. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
Verification notes
- The pricing dimensions for Lambda durable executions were checked against the pricing page's structure only. Confirm current rates there.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of Lambda durable functions?
Lambda durable functions map to Azure Durable Functions (with the Durable Task Scheduler backend). Both checkpoint progress and replay code to resume after failures or long waits.
How does pricing compare between Lambda durable functions and Durable Functions & Durable Task Scheduler?
AWS: Standard Lambda request and duration charges for active steps, plus durable-execution charges (see the Lambda pricing page). Waits don't incur compute charges. Azure: Function execution charges under the hosting plan, plus the state backend. The Durable Task Scheduler is billed by SKU (Dedicated capacity units or Consumption per action). Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) [retired].