Azure CLI for Dummies: Get Started with Azure on the Command Line

In today’s cloud-driven world, managing resources effectively is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms, offering a plethora of services that cater to various needs, from hosting applications to storing data. While the Azure Portal provides an intuitive graphical user interface, many users prefer the efficiency and flexibility of the command line. Enter Azure CLI—Microsoft’s command-line tool for managing Azure resources.

This article serves as a beginner’s guide for those new to Azure CLI, aiding you in navigating the vast landscape of Azure using a Command Line Interface (CLI).

What is Azure CLI?

Azure CLI is a cross-platform command-line tool designed for managing Azure resources. It allows you to create, update, and remove Azure services directly from your terminal, bypassing the need for a web interface. Whether you’re on Windows, Linux, or macOS, Azure CLI provides a consistent experience and is ideal for automating tasks, managing resources, and simplifying workflows.

Getting Started

1. Install Azure CLI

Before you can start using Azure CLI, you need to install it. Here’s how:

• Windows: Download the installer from the Microsoft Azure CLI installation page. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

• macOS: You can install Azure CLI using Homebrew by running the following command in your terminal:
  bash
  brew update && brew install azure-cli

• Linux: For many Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:
  bash
  curl -sL https://aka.ms/InstallAzureCLIDeb | sudo bash

• After installation, confirm that Azure CLI is installed correctly by typing:
  bash
  az –version

2. Log In to Your Azure Account

Once installed, the next step is to authenticate your Azure account. Run the following command:
bash
az login

This command will open a web browser where you can enter your Azure credentials. Alternatively, you can use a service principal for non-interactive scripts.

3. Familiarise Yourself with Azure CLI Commands

Azure CLI commands follow a structure that makes them easy to learn. The general format is:

az [options]

• Resource: This refers to the Azure service you want to interact with (e.g., vm for virtual machines, storage for storage accounts).
• Command: This is the action you want to perform (e.g., create, list, delete).
• Options: Additional parameters that specify how the command should execute (like names, IDs, configurations).

4. Create Your First Resource

Let’s create a simple resource—an Azure virtual machine (VM). You can do this by executing the following command:
bash
az vm create –resource-group MyResourceGroup –name MyVM –image UbuntuLTS

This command does several things:

• Creates a resource group named MyResourceGroup.
• Creates a virtual machine called MyVM using the UbuntuLTS image.

Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create resources within your Azure account.

5. Explore Further

Once you’re comfortable creating basic resources, take the time to explore more advanced functionalities of Azure CLI. Here are a few useful commands to try:

• List resources: See all resources in a resource group.
  bash
  az resource list –resource-group MyResourceGroup

• Delete a resource: For safely removing unnecessary resources.
  bash
  az vm delete –resource-group MyResourceGroup –name MyVM –yes

• Update a resource: Modify the settings of your VM or any other resource.
  bash
  az vm update –resource-group MyResourceGroup –name MyVM –set networkProfile.networkInterfaces[0].id=

6. Use Documentation and Help

Azure CLI has extensive documentation, and you can access help directly from the command line. For example:
bash
az vm –help

This command will display all available commands related to virtual machines, their descriptions, and examples.

Conclusion

Azure CLI is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with Azure resources seamlessly and efficiently. Whether you’re automating tasks, managing various cloud services, or simply prefer the command line, Azure CLI offers the robustness you need. As you familiarise yourself with its capabilities, you’ll discover that it greatly enhances your ability to manage Azure environments effectively.

Remember, the key to mastering Azure CLI—or any tool, for that matter—is practice. Start with simple commands, explore the documentation, and gradually work towards more complex tasks. Embrace the command line, and you’ll unlock a new level of productivity in your cloud journey. Happy coding!