Unlock Azure Power: Learn the Basics of Azure CLI

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, cloud computing has emerged as a cornerstone for businesses and developers alike. Among the most popular cloud platforms is Microsoft Azure, renowned for its robust set of tools and services. One such powerful tool is the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI). This article aims to introduce you to the basics of Azure CLI, enabling you to harness the full potential of Azure with ease.

What is Azure CLI?

Azure CLI is a cross-platform command-line tool designed for managing Azure resources. Providing an efficient and straightforward way to create, configure, and manage Azure services, it allows users to perform a variety of tasks from their terminal or command prompt. Whether you are a seasoned cloud engineer or a newcomer, Azure CLI can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity.

Why Use Azure CLI?

1. Efficiency: For developers who favour command-line interfaces over graphical user interfaces, Azure CLI offers a quicker way to execute commands and automate tasks.

2. Scripting: The ability to script your Azure tasks can save you significant time and effort, especially when managing multiple resources or environments.

3. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Azure CLI is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a diverse range of users.

4. Integration with Other Tools: Azure CLI can be easily integrated with other tools and services, allowing for enhanced workflows and processes.

Getting Started with Azure CLI

Installation

To begin using Azure CLI, you’ll need to install it on your local machine:

• Windows: You can download the Azure CLI installer from the official Microsoft website. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts.

• macOS: Use Homebrew with the following command:
  bash
  brew update && brew install azure-cli

• Linux: Installation instructions will vary depending on your distribution, but typically you can use package managers like apt or yum.

Logging In

After installation, open your command-line interface and log in to your Azure account with the following command:
bash
az login

This command will open a web page prompting you to enter your Azure credentials.

Basic Commands

Once logged in, let’s explore some fundamental Azure CLI commands:

1. List Resources:
   To view all resources in your default subscription, use:
   bash
   az resource list

2. Create a Resource Group:
   Resource groups are essential for organizing Azure resources. To create a new resource group, run:
   bash
   az group create –name MyResourceGroup –location eastus

3. Create an Azure Virtual Machine:
   To create a virtual machine, you can execute:
   bash
   az vm create –resource-group MyResourceGroup –name MyVM –image UbuntuLTS –admin-username azureuser –generate-ssh-keys

   This command sets up a basic virtual machine with a specified image and generates SSH keys for secure access.

4. Delete a Resource:
   If you need to delete a resource, such as the resource group created earlier, you can simply run:
   bash
   az group delete –name MyResourceGroup –yes –no-wait

Helpful Tips

• Use az --help: Familiarise yourself with Azure CLI by typing az --help. This command provides an overview of available commands, sub-commands, and options.

• Get More Help on Specific Commands: For more information about a specific command, you can append --help. For example:
  bash
  az vm create –help

• Scripting and Automation: Consider combining multiple commands in a Bash script or a batch file to streamline your workflows. Azure CLI supports scripting extensively.

Conclusion

With its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities, Azure CLI is a vital tool for anyone looking to maximise their experience with Azure. By understanding the basics outlined in this article, you have taken your first step towards becoming proficient in managing Azure resources through the command line.

As you dive deeper into Azure CLI, you’ll discover more advanced commands and functionalities that can greatly enhance your productivity and management of cloud resources. So, take the plunge, unlock the power of Azure, and elevate your cloud management skills!