Revamp README with shields badges and July 2024 updates

Author: timothywarner

README.md

@@ -1,48 +1,93 @@
-# AZ-400 Exam Preparation Resources
-> Study materials and resources for Microsoft's AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions certification exam.
+# Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions Crash Course
 
-## Latest updates
+**📅 Updated for July 2024 Exam Objectives**
 
-- [Microsoft Learn AZ-400 lab exercises](https://microsoftlearning.github.io/AZ400-DesigningandImplementingMicrosoftDevOpsSolutions/)
-- [Parts Unlimited MRP demo application](https://github.com/microsoft/PartsUnlimitedMRP)
+[![GitHub](https://img.shields.io/badge/GitHub-timothywarner-181717?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)](https://github.com/timothywarner)
+[![Organization](https://img.shields.io/badge/Organization-timothywarner--org-181717?style=for-the-badge&logo=github)](https://github.com/timothywarner-org)
+[![Website](https://img.shields.io/badge/Website-TechTrainerTim.com-0078D4?style=for-the-badge&logo=microsoft-edge)](https://techtrainertim.com)
+[![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg?style=for-the-badge)](LICENSE)
+[![Stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/timothywarner/az400?style=for-the-badge)](https://github.com/timothywarner/az400/stargazers)
 
-## 📫 Contact Information
+> **Comprehensive study materials for the Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert certification, taught by Microsoft MVP Tim Warner**
 
-- **Name:** Tim Warner
-- **GitHub:** [@timothywarner](https://github.com/timothywarner)
-- **Email:** [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
-- **LinkedIn:** [Timothy Warner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothywarner/)
-- **YouTube:** [Tech Trainer Tim](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCim7PFtynyPuzMHtbNyYOXA)
-- **Website:** [techtrainertim.com](https://techtrainertim.com)
-- **Bluesky:** [@techtrainertim.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/techtrainertim.bsky.social)
+## 🎯 Course Overview
 
-## 📚 Study Resources
+This repository contains all materials for the O'Reilly Training course covering the AZ-400 exam objectives. The course is structured into **5 progressive segments** designed to take you from DevOps fundamentals to exam-ready expertise.
 
-### Official Resources
-- [Microsoft Learn AZ-400 Path](https://learn.microsoft.com/certifications/exams/az-400)
-- [Microsoft AZ-400 Labs](https://microsoftlearning.github.io/AZ400-DesigningandImplementingMicrosoftDevOpsSolutions/)
-- [Azure DevOps Documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/devops/?view=azure-devops)
+### 📋 Course Structure
 
-### Practice Tests
-- [MeasureUp AZ-400](https://www.measureup.com/az-400-microsoft-azure-devops-solutions.html)
-- [Whizlabs AZ-400](https://www.whizlabs.com/microsoft-azure-certification-az-400/)
-- [Udemy Practice Tests](https://www.udemy.com/course/azure-devops-az400-practice-tests/)
+1. **DevOps Foundation & Team Setup** - People, Process, Tools
+2. **Source Control & CI Fundamentals** - Code Management & Quality Gates  
+3. **Advanced Pipelines & Deployment** - From Code to Cloud
+4. **Security, Compliance & Governance** - Secure DevOps at Scale
+5. **Monitoring, Feedback & Exam Prep** - Production Excellence & Certification
 
-### Repository Resources
-- [ARM Template Examples](archive/ARM%20Templates/)
-- [ASP.NET Core Demo with Docker](archive/old-resources/aspnet-core-docker-demo/)
-- [DevOps Pipeline Examples](demos/azure-pipelines-cd/)
-- [Study Topics Overview](archive/old-resources/az400-study-topics.txt)
-- [Lab Exercises](archive/old-resources/az-400-session1-labs.md)
+### 🚀 Key Technologies Covered
 
-### Free Learning Resources
+- **Azure DevOps** - Boards, Repos, Pipelines, Test Plans, Artifacts
+- **GitHub** - Actions, Advanced Security, Projects, Packages
+- **Infrastructure as Code** - Bicep, Terraform, ARM Templates
+- **Security Tools** - Azure Key Vault, Microsoft Defender for DevOps
+- **Monitoring** - Application Insights, Azure Monitor, KQL
+
+## 📚 Course Resources
+
+### 📖 Core Materials
+- [Detailed Course Plan](az400-course-plan.md)
+- [July 2024 Exam Objectives](az400-objective-domain-july-2024.md)
+- [Course Slides (PowerPoint)](warner-AZ400-slides.pptx)
+
+### 🧪 Microsoft Learn Paths
+- [AZ-400: Get started on a DevOps transformation journey](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-get-started-devops-transformation-journey/)
+- [AZ-400: Development for enterprise DevOps](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-work-git-for-enterprise-devops/)
+- [AZ-400: Implement CI with Azure Pipelines and GitHub Actions](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-implement-ci-azure-pipelines-github-actions/)
+- [AZ-400: Design and implement a release strategy](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-design-implement-release-strategy/)
+- [AZ-400: Implement a secure continuous deployment using Azure Pipelines](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-implement-secure-continuous-deployment/)
+- [AZ-400: Manage infrastructure as code using Azure and DSC](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/paths/az-400-manage-infrastructure-as-code-using-azure/)
+
+### 🔬 Hands-On Labs
+- [Microsoft Learn AZ-400 Labs](https://microsoftlearning.github.io/AZ400-DesigningandImplementingMicrosoftDevOpsSolutions/)
 - [Azure DevOps Labs](https://azuredevopslabs.com/)
 - [Azure DevOps Demo Generator](https://azuredevopsdemogenerator.azurewebsites.net/)
-- [GitHub Learning Lab](https://lab.github.com/)
-- [Azure DevOps YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ikyViYMM69joIAv7dlMsA)
-- [Microsoft Azure YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/windowsazure)
-
-### Community Resources
-- [Azure DevOps Community](https://dev.azure.com/community/)
-- [Stack Overflow Azure DevOps](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/azure-devops)
-- [Reddit r/AzureDevOps](https://www.reddit.com/r/azuredevops/)
+- [Sample Node.js Application](nodeapp-1/)
+
+### 📋 Study Resources
+- [Official AZ-400 Study Guide](https://learn.microsoft.com/certifications/exams/az-400)
+- [Azure DevOps Documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/devops/)
+- [GitHub Documentation](https://docs.github.com)
+
+### 📚 Training Partners & Practice Exams
+- [O'Reilly Learning Platform](https://www.oreilly.com) - Full course access
+- [MeasureUp AZ-400 Practice Tests](https://www.measureup.com/az-400-microsoft-azure-devops-solutions.html) - Official Microsoft practice exams
+- [Pearson OnVUE](https://home.pearsonvue.com/Clients/Microsoft.aspx) - Schedule your certification exam
+- [Pluralsight AZ-400 Path](https://www.pluralsight.com/paths/az-400-designing-and-implementing-microsoft-devops-solutions) - Additional video training
+
+## 🛠️ Prerequisites
+
+- **Experience**: 2+ years working with Azure (development OR administration)
+- **Knowledge**: Basic understanding of Git, CI/CD concepts, and cloud computing
+- **Tools**: Azure subscription, GitHub account, VS Code installed
+- **Certification**: Either AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) OR AZ-204 (Azure Developer) required
+
+## 🎓 Certification Path
+
+This course prepares you for:
+- **Exam**: AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions
+- **Certification**: Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
+- **Exam Format**: 40-60 questions, 180 minutes, includes hands-on labs
+- **Passing Score**: 700/1000
+
+## 🤝 Contributing
+
+Found an issue or want to contribute? Please:
+1. Fork the repository
+2. Create a feature branch
+3. Submit a pull request
+
+## 📜 License
+
+This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
+
+---
+
+**Ready to become a DevOps Engineer Expert?** Star ⭐ this repo and let's begin your journey!