Azure CLI installation and login - Commands & Configuration

Introduction

Azure CLI is a tool that helps you control Azure cloud services from your computer. Installing it and logging in lets you manage your cloud resources easily using commands.

When you want to create or manage Azure resources without using the web portal.

When you need to automate tasks like starting or stopping virtual machines.

When you want to check the status of your cloud services quickly from your terminal.

When you are setting up scripts to deploy applications to Azure.

When you want to learn Azure commands step-by-step on your local machine.

Commands

This command downloads and installs the Azure CLI on a Debian-based Linux system. It sets up the tool so you can use Azure commands.

Terminal

curl -sL https://aka.ms/InstallAzureCLIDeb | sudo bash

Expected Output

Installing Azure CLI...

Azure CLI installed successfully.

This command checks that Azure CLI installed correctly by showing its version and confirming it is ready to use.

Terminal

az --version

Expected Output

azure-cli                         2.54.0



Python location '/usr/bin/python3'

Extensions directory '/home/user/.azure/cliextensions'



Python (Linux) 3.8.10 (default, Jun  4 2021, 15:09:15) 

[GCC 9.4.0]



Legal docs and information: https://aka.ms/AzureCliLegal



Your CLI is up-to-date.

This command opens a web page where you enter your Azure username and password to connect your CLI to your Azure account.

Terminal

az login

Expected Output

[

  {

    "cloudName": "AzureCloud",

    "homeTenantId": "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx",

    "id": "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx",

    "isDefault": true,

    "managedByTenants": [],

    "name": "My Azure Subscription",

    "state": "Enabled",

    "tenantId": "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx",

    "user": {

      "name": "[e-mail]",

      "type": "user"

    }

  }

]

This command shows details about the Azure account you are logged into, confirming your login was successful.

Terminal

az account show

Expected Output

{

  "environmentName": "AzureCloud",

  "id": "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx",

  "isDefault": true,

  "name": "My Azure Subscription",

  "state": "Enabled",

  "tenantId": "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx",

  "user": {

    "name": "[e-mail]",

    "type": "user"

  }

}

Key Concept

If you remember nothing else from this pattern, remember: installing Azure CLI and logging in lets you control your Azure cloud resources easily from your computer.

Common Mistakes

Trying to run 'az login' before installing Azure CLI.

The 'az' command won't work because the tool is not installed yet.

First install Azure CLI using the installation command, then run 'az login'.

Not opening the web page to complete login after running 'az login'.

Without completing login in the browser, the CLI won't connect to your Azure account.

After running 'az login', open the provided URL in your browser and enter your credentials.

Running installation commands for a different operating system than the one you use.

Installation commands differ by OS; using the wrong one causes errors or no installation.

Use the installation command that matches your operating system (Linux, Windows, or macOS).

Summary

Install Azure CLI on your computer using the correct command for your OS.

Verify the installation by checking the Azure CLI version.

Log in to your Azure account using 'az login' and complete the browser authentication.

Confirm your login by running 'az account show' to see your subscription details.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Azure CLI tool?

easy

A. To manage Azure resources from your computer

B. To create virtual machines automatically

C. To write code in the cloud

D. To monitor internet speed

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Azure CLI functionality

   Azure CLI is designed to let users manage Azure cloud resources easily from their local machine.

2. Step 2: Compare options with purpose

   Only To manage Azure resources from your computer correctly describes this purpose; others describe unrelated tasks.

3. Final Answer:

   To manage Azure resources from your computer -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Azure CLI = Manage Azure resources [OK]

Hint: Azure CLI is for managing Azure, not coding or speed tests [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking Azure CLI writes code
• Confusing Azure CLI with monitoring tools
• Assuming it only creates virtual machines

2. Which command correctly starts the Azure CLI login process?

easy

A. az start

B. az login

C. azure login

D. az connect

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Azure CLI login command

   The official command to sign in is az login.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Options B, C, and D are incorrect or invalid commands.

3. Final Answer:

   az login -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Login command = az login [OK]

Hint: Login always uses 'az login' command [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'azure login' instead of 'az login'
• Trying 'az start' or 'az connect' which don't exist
• Typing commands with wrong spelling

3. What happens after you run az login in your terminal?

medium

A. You are prompted to open a browser and enter a code to authenticate

B. Azure CLI immediately shows your subscription details

C. The CLI installs Azure services automatically

D. Your computer restarts to complete login

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the login flow

   Running az login opens a prompt with a code and URL for browser authentication.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   Options A, C, and D describe incorrect or unrelated behaviors.

3. Final Answer:

   You are prompted to open a browser and enter a code to authenticate -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   az login = browser code prompt [OK]

Hint: Login needs browser code entry, not instant details [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting immediate subscription info
• Thinking CLI installs services automatically
• Believing computer restarts after login

4. You ran az login but get an error saying 'command not found'. What is the likely cause?

medium

A. You need to restart your computer first

B. You typed the command incorrectly as 'az logon'

C. Your internet connection is down

D. Azure CLI is not installed or not added to system PATH

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the error message

   'command not found' means the system cannot find the Azure CLI program.

2. Step 2: Identify common causes

   This usually happens if Azure CLI is not installed or its folder is not in the system PATH.

3. Final Answer:

   Azure CLI is not installed or not added to system PATH -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Command not found = CLI missing or PATH issue [OK]

Hint: Check installation and PATH if 'command not found' error appears [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming internet causes 'command not found'
• Thinking a restart fixes missing command
• Confusing 'az login' with 'az logon'

5. You want to automate Azure login in a script without opening a browser. Which method should you use?

hard

A. Install Azure CLI and skip login step

B. Run az login and manually enter credentials each time

C. Use a service principal with az login --service-principal

D. Use az login --interactive to avoid browser

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand automation needs

   Automated scripts cannot handle interactive browser login, so a non-interactive method is needed.

2. Step 2: Identify correct login method

   Using a service principal with az login --service-principal allows script-based login without browser.

3. Step 3: Evaluate other options

   A skips login which fails commands, B requires manual input, D still opens browser.

4. Final Answer:

   Use a service principal with az login --service-principal -> Option C

5. Quick Check:

   Automate login = service principal login [OK]

Hint: Automate login with service principal, not interactive login [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying interactive login in scripts
• Skipping login step in automation
• Confusing service principal with user login