Azure Cloud Shell is an interactive, browser-based scripting environment for managing Azure resources. It provides the flexibility of choosing the shell experience that best suits the way you work, either Bash or PowerShell. Azure Cloud Shell requires no local installation which makes it greatly flexible and convenient.
First, let’s break down what Azure Cloud Shell is and how it works with both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell:
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Azure Cloud Shell
: Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based shell experience hosted in the cloud to manage and develop Azure resources. Cloud Shell offers a browser-accessible, pre-configured shell experience for managing Azure resources without the overhead of installing, versioning, and maintaining a machine yourself.
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Azure CLI (Command Line Interface)
: Azure CLI is a command line program that connects to Azure and executes administrative commands on Azure resources. It provides a way to create, manage, and monitor all Azure resources, as well as manage local development environments and command-line scripting of common development tasks.
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Azure PowerShell
: Azure PowerShell is a module that provides cmdlets to manage Azure through Windows PowerShell. You can use Azure PowerShell cmdlets to manage Azure resources, applications, and services.
Here are examples of how you can leverage the validity of these platforms.
Azure CLI Example
For instance, to get the version of Azure CLI environment running in Azure Cloud Shell, the command is:
az --version
To create a Resource Group using Azure CLI in the Azure Cloud Shell, the command is:
az group create --name myResourceGroup --location eastus
Azure PowerShell Example
The equivalent operation in Azure PowerShell to get the Azure PowerShell environment version is:
Get-Module -ListAvailable -Name Az -Refresh
The equivalent command in Azure PowerShell to create a Resource Group is:
New-AzResourceGroup -Name myResourceGroup -Location EastUS
Comparing Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell
| Azure CLI | Azure PowerShell |
|---|---|
| Easier to read and write syntax | Verb-Noun cmdlet naming schema |
| JSON output by default, can be changed to any desired format | Output is highly customizable |
| Easier for beginners due to the syntax | Requires some knowledge of .NET |
| Has broad Linux compatibility | High compatibility with Windows |
In conclusion, both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are powerful tools provided by Microsoft to interact with Azure services. The choice between the two generally depends on your background and the operating system you’re using. Windows users might feel more comfortable with Azure PowerShell, while Linux and macOS users could prefer Azure CLI. Azure Cloud Shell offers both tools and abstracts away the need to manage and maintain the underlying infrastructure allowing you to focus on developing and managing your Azure resources.
Practice Test
Azure Cloud Shell integrates with Visual Studio Code.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Cloud Shell is indeed integrated with Visual Studio Code, which allows you to write, debug, and execute code right from the browser.
Which of the following is not a feature of Azure Cloud Shell?
- 1) Integrated file editor
- 2) Authenticates on each session
- 3) Runs on PowerShell
- 4) Free storage of 50 GB
Answer: Free storage of 50 GB
Explanation: Cloud Shell does not offer free storage. It does require an Azure file share to be mounted, which is not free.
Azure Cloud Shell includes support for Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based shell experience that includes support for both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell.
Azure CLI is an open-source tool created only for managing Azure resources.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure CLI is indeed an open-source tool developed by Microsoft. However, its application is not limited to managing Azure resources. It is also useful in building, deploying, and managing applications.
From where can you access the Azure Cloud Shell?
- 1) Azure portal
- 2) Standalone website
- 3) Azure mobile app
- 4) All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The Azure Cloud Shell is accessible from any of these: the Azure portal, a standalone website, and the Azure mobile app.
Azure PowerShell only works on Windows.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure PowerShell is a set of cmdlets for managing Azure resources directly from the PowerShell command line and it works on not just Windows, but also macOS and Linux.
Azure Cloud Shell requires an internet connection to run.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Cloud Shell is a web-based command-line tool, so it requires an active internet connection to run.
Both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell support the same set of Azure services.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Both the Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell offer support for the same set of Azure services.
Azure Cloud Shell instances are temporary and do not persist between sessions.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Cloud Shell instances are per session, per user, and are automatically terminated after a period of inactivity.
Azure Cloud Shell provides automatic authentication.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: With Azure Cloud Shell, the Azure sign-in process automatically authenticates the shell session.
You can use either Bash or PowerShell environment in Azure Cloud Shell.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Cloud Shell gives you the flexibility to choose between Bash or PowerShell environments.
Azure CLI can only be used within the Azure Cloud Shell.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: False
Explanation: While Azure CLI can be used within Azure Cloud Shell, it can also be installed locally and used from your own machine.
What is the major difference between Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell?
- 1) Language Syntax
- 2) Functionality
- 3) Usability
- 4) None of the above
Answer: Language Syntax
Explanation: While both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell provide command-line interfaces for managing Azure resources, their syntaxes are different – CLI commands are designed to be easy to read, whereas PowerShell commands are based on the .NET framework.
Azure Cloud Shell requires a paid Azure subscription for usage.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Even though Azure Cloud Shell service is free, it does require a paid Azure subscription as it uses a small amount of file storage (5 GB).
You can download and use Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell on your local machine.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: True
Explanation: Both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are command-line tools that can be downloaded and run on your local machine, not just in the Azure Cloud Shell.
Interview Questions
What is Azure Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell is an interactive, authenticated, and browser-accessible shell for managing Azure resources. It provides the flexibility of choosing the shell experience that best suits the way you work.
What are the two types of shell interface that Azure Cloud Shell offers?
Azure Cloud Shell offers two types of shell interface – Bash (Azure CLI) and PowerShell (Azure PowerShell).
Which tool in Azure allows users to manage web apps and virtual machines?
Azure Cloud Shell allows users to manage web apps and virtual machines.
What does Azure CLI stand for, and what is its function?
Azure CLI stands for Azure Command Line Interface. It’s a set of commands used to create and manage Azure resources.
What programming language is the Azure CLI written in?
Azure CLI is written in Python.
What is Azure PowerShell used for?
Azure PowerShell is a module that provides cmdlets to manage Azure through Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core.
How is Azure Cloud Shell typically used?
Azure Cloud Shell is typically used for tasks like deploying Azure resources, managing virtual machines, and configuring virtual networks.
How is Azure PowerShell different from Azure CLI?
Azure PowerShell is directed towards PowerShell programmers and primarily for people who use scripts. Azure CLI is designed to be easy to learn and get started with, and aims for simplicity over scripting flexibility.
How can one launch Azure Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell can be launched from the Azure portal or through separate browser-based shell experience.
Are Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell free to use?
Yes, both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are free to use but charges may apply for the Azure resources used in the commands.
Do Azure Cloud Shell commands permanently change the settings of the Azure account?
Yes, the commands made on the Azure Cloud Shell can permanently change the settings or configurations of your Azure account.
Can Azure Cloud Shell persist your files across sessions?
Yes, Azure Cloud Shell persists your files across sessions using Azure File Storage.
Can Azure PowerShell be used on Linux distributions?
Yes, Azure PowerShell can be used on Linux distributions through PowerShell Core.
Do I need to install anything to use Azure Cloud Shell?
No, Azure Cloud Shell requires no installation as it runs directly in the browser.
Can you use Azure Cloud Shell offline?
No, Azure Cloud Shell requires internet connectivity to function properly.
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