What Is Azure CLI and How to Get Started

Azure CLI is a powerful tool that allows you to manage and deploy Azure resources from the command line or scripting environment.

It's a cross-platform command-line tool that supports both Windows and Linux operating systems.

You can install Azure CLI on your local machine to manage Azure resources, or you can use it in a cloud environment like Azure DevOps.

To get started with Azure CLI, you'll need to install it first, which can be done using a script or by downloading the installation package from the official Azure website.

The Azure CLI can be installed on most platforms, including yours, thanks to its cross-platform nature.

To get started, you'll need to run a script to install or update the Azure CLI. This script is the same regardless of your platform choice.

Azure CLI is user-friendly, making it easy to install and set up.

To install the Azure CLI, simply run the following script: Azure CLI installation is a straightforward process.

Azure CLI supports several authentication methods. You can access detailed information about these methods by checking out the Azure CLI documentation on signing in.

The default authentication method uses an interactive log-in through a web browser. You can initiate this process by running the az login command.

If a browser doesn't open automatically, you can use an authorization code to sign in to Azure. This involves adding the --use-device-code parameter to the az login command.

You'll then need to navigate to the URL https://microsoft.com/devicelogin and enter the authorization code. Once Azure verifies the code, you'll enter your user name and password to complete the sign-in process.

Azure CLI supports multiple authentication methods to sign in to your Azure environment.

The Azure CLI syntax is straightforward, following a pattern of reference name - command - parameter - parameter value. This makes it easy to learn and use.

Switching between subscriptions is a common task, and the syntax for this is simple. You can manage role assignments using the Azure CLI as well.

The Azure CLI can be configured to change the default output format using the az configure command. For instance, you can switch to the --output table format.

The Azure CLI syntax follows a simple reference name - command - parameter - parameter value pattern. This pattern makes it easy to navigate and understand the various commands available.

Switching between subscriptions is a common task that can be achieved with a straightforward syntax. For example, you can switch between subscriptions with a simple command.

Managing role assignments is another common use of the Azure CLI. To do this, you'll need to follow a specific syntax pattern.

For more information on managing subscriptions, you can refer to the article "Manage subscriptions with Azure CLI". This tutorial provides a more in-depth look at the process.

Creating an Azure service principal with the Azure CLI is also a crucial task. You can find an in-depth tutorial on this topic in the article "Create an Azure service principal with the Azure CLI".

Understanding the syntax differences between Bash and PowerShell environments is also important. You can learn more about this by reading the article "Learn Azure CLI syntax differences in Bash, PowerShell and Cmd".

To get the most out of the Azure CLI, you need to know how to use it effectively in common scenarios. One way to do this is by adjusting the output format to json, table, or tsv.

You can also pass values from one command to another, which is a huge time-saver. This feature is described in the Tips for using Azure CLI effectively section.

Azure CLI offers several features that help with async operations. For example, you can use the az configure command to change your default output format to table.

The generic update arguments feature is another useful tool, allowing you to update resources with ease. This feature is also mentioned in the Tips for using Azure CLI effectively section.

Here are some common scenarios and effective use tips summarized in a list:

By mastering these features and scenarios, you'll be able to work more efficiently with the Azure CLI.

As a helpful AI assistant, I'm here to make your life easier. I can fulfill your requests to the best of my ability, always striving to be kind and efficient.

You can rely on me to provide accurate and up-to-date information, drawing from my vast knowledge base. I'm always learning and improving, so you can trust that my responses will be informed and relevant.

I'm designed to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for human judgment. I'll provide you with the facts and insights you need to make informed decisions, but ultimately, the choice is yours.

My responses are based on the information I've been trained on, which includes a vast array of topics and domains. I can provide you with specific facts and data, as well as general information and explanations.

The Azure CLI is supported on various platforms, making it a versatile tool for Azure users.

You can install the Azure CLI on Windows-based systems using the MSI installer provided by Microsoft, which can be found on the official Azure CLI download page.

To use the Azure CLI on Windows, you'll need to run PowerShell as an administrator and follow the steps to download and install the latest version.

Here are the PowerShell commands to download and install the Azure CLI:

Cloud Shell is an interactive, browser-accessible shell for managing Azure resources. You can access it by going to https://shell.azure.com and logging in to your Azure subscription.

Azure Cloud Shell provides a way to use Azure CLI without installing anything. This makes it a convenient option for managing Azure resources on the go.

Cloud Shell is free, but it requires an Azure file share to be mounted, which incurs regular storage costs. These costs are generally low, though.

You can access Azure Cloud Shell directly in your VS Code integrated terminal through the Azure Account extension. This can be a big time-saver if you're already using VS Code for development.

If you're using Windows, you can install the Azure CLI using the MSI installer provided by Microsoft. The MSI installer is available for new installations and upgrades to existing versions, and you can find the current release on the official Azure CLI website.

To download and install the Azure CLI, you can use PowerShell commands. Be sure to run these steps from PowerShell started as an administrator. Here's a step-by-step guide:

After the installation is complete, restart the PowerShell console to use the Azure CLI commands.

Visual Studio Code is a powerful platform that offers a range of features for developers.

You can extend its functionality with various tools, including the Azure CLI Tools extension.

This extension allows you to create Azure CLI Scrapbooks with IntelliSense support for CLI commands.

With IntelliSense, you can write CLI commands with ease and get instant suggestions.

You can also run commands in the integrated terminal or display their output in a side-by-side editor.

The integrated terminal provides a convenient way to execute commands and see their output in real-time.

Running commands in the integrated terminal is a great way to streamline your workflow and save time.

The side-by-side editor allows you to view the output of your commands alongside the code you're writing.

Tab completion is a time-saving feature that allows you to quickly complete groups, commands, and some parameters.

We support tab-completion for groups, commands, and some parameters, making it easier to navigate and use our platform.

Tab completion can be a huge productivity booster, especially when working with complex commands or long group names.

You can use tab completion by typing a few characters and then pressing the tab key to see a list of possible completions.