AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam

Understand Azure Cloud Shell

Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based interactive shell that provides a way to manage Azure resources. It's designed to give users a convenient and accessible way to work with Azure without needing to install tools on their local machines. Cloud Shell supports both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell, allowing users to choose their preferred command-line interface.

Key Features of Azure Cloud Shell

• Browser-Based Access: Cloud Shell is accessible directly from a web browser, eliminating the need for local installations. This makes it easy to manage Azure resources from any computer with an internet connection.
• Integrated Tools: It comes pre-configured with essential tools like the Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and other utilities. This means users can start managing resources immediately without setting up their environment.
• Persistent Storage: Cloud Shell provides persistent storage through an Azure file share. This ensures that any scripts, files, or configurations created during a session are saved and available for future use.

Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell

• Azure CLI is a command-line tool that allows users to manage Azure resources through commands. It's suitable for users who prefer a command-line interface and is often used for automation and scripting.
• Azure PowerShell is a module that provides a set of cmdlets for managing Azure resources. It's ideal for users who are familiar with PowerShell and prefer a more structured approach to management.

Benefits of Using Azure Cloud Shell

• Convenience: It provides a ready-to-use environment, eliminating the need to install and configure tools locally.
• Accessibility: It can be accessed from any device with a web browser, making it easy to manage Azure resources from anywhere.
• Consistency: It ensures a consistent environment for all users, reducing the risk of compatibility issues.
• Automation: It supports scripting and automation, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and manage resources more efficiently.

In summary, Azure Cloud Shell is a powerful tool for managing Azure resources, offering both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell within a convenient, browser-based environment. Its integrated tools and persistent storage make it an efficient and accessible option for both beginners and experienced Azure users.

Introduction to Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell is a powerful tool that allows you to manage and automate Azure resources using commands. It's a module that extends the capabilities of PowerShell, a scripting language commonly used in Windows environments. By using cmdlets (command-lets), which are specific commands in PowerShell, you can perform various tasks in Azure, such as creating virtual machines, managing storage, and configuring networks. This makes it easier to manage your cloud resources through scripts rather than using the Azure portal.

Azure PowerShell is particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks. Instead of manually configuring resources through the Azure portal, you can write scripts to perform these actions automatically. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error. For example, you can create a script to deploy a set of virtual machines with specific configurations, ensuring consistency across your deployments. This automation capability is a key benefit of using Azure PowerShell.

The module provides a wide range of cmdlets that cover almost all aspects of Azure management. These cmdlets are designed to be easy to use and understand, making it accessible even for those who are new to scripting. You can use these cmdlets to interact with Azure services, retrieve information, and make changes to your resources. The flexibility and breadth of these commands make Azure PowerShell a versatile tool for Azure administrators.

Azure PowerShell integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, allowing you to manage complex cloud environments effectively. For instance, you can use it to manage Azure Backup services, create custom roles, and monitor jobs. This integration allows for a more streamlined and efficient management process. The ability to manage multiple services from a single scripting environment is a significant advantage.

In summary, Azure PowerShell is a valuable tool for anyone working with Azure. It provides a way to automate tasks, manage resources efficiently, and integrate with other Azure services. By learning how to use cmdlets and write scripts, you can significantly improve your ability to manage and deploy Azure resources.

Introduction to Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI)

The Azure CLI is a powerful tool that provides a command-line interface for creating and managing Azure resources. It allows users to interact with Azure services through text-based commands, making it ideal for automation and scripting. The CLI is designed to help users automate tasks and manage Azure resources efficiently. It supports various Azure services, including Azure Backup, Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure Storage.

The Azure CLI uses a specific syntax for commands. For example, az role definition list is used to list custom roles, and az backup job list is used to monitor backup jobs. These commands can be combined with parameters to perform specific actions, such as creating, updating, or deleting resources. The CLI also supports output formats like JSON, which is useful for scripting and automation.

One of the key benefits of using the Azure CLI is its ability to automate tasks. For instance, you can use the CLI to create a storage account, configure backups, or manage virtual machines through scripts. This automation can save time and reduce the risk of human error. The CLI also allows you to create custom roles with specific permissions, which can be useful for managing access to resources.

The Azure CLI can be used in different environments, including the Azure Cloud Shell, which is a browser-based shell, or a local installation on your computer. The Cloud Shell provides a convenient way to use the CLI without needing to install anything on your local machine. If you prefer to run the CLI locally, you can install it on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

The Azure CLI is a versatile tool that can be used to manage a wide range of Azure services. It is particularly useful for tasks that need to be automated or performed repeatedly. By using the CLI, you can streamline your Azure management processes and improve your overall efficiency. Understanding the basic syntax and commands of the Azure CLI is essential for anyone working with Azure resources.

Comparing Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell

Both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are command-line tools used to manage Azure resources, but they differ in their syntax, structure, and preferred use cases. Azure CLI is a cross-platform command-line interface that uses a Bash-like syntax, making it suitable for users familiar with Linux or macOS environments. Azure PowerShell, on the other hand, is a set of modules for PowerShell, a scripting language primarily used in Windows environments. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right tool for specific tasks.

Azure CLI commands are structured with a verb-noun format, such as az vm create to create a virtual machine. It is designed to be concise and easy to use, with a focus on quick execution of commands. The output from Azure CLI is typically in JSON format, which is easily parsed by other tools and scripts. This makes it a good choice for automation tasks where interoperability with other systems is important.

Azure PowerShell uses cmdlets, which are commands with a verb-noun structure, like New-AzVM to create a virtual machine. It is more verbose than Azure CLI, but it offers more flexibility and control over the output. PowerShell objects are returned, which can be easily manipulated and piped to other cmdlets. This makes it ideal for complex scripting and automation scenarios where detailed control over the output is needed.

Choosing between Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell often depends on the user's background and the specific task at hand. If you are comfortable with Bash-like syntax and need a tool that works across different operating systems, Azure CLI is a good choice. If you are more familiar with PowerShell and need to perform complex scripting tasks, Azure PowerShell is the better option. Both tools can be used to accomplish the same tasks, but their approaches and strengths differ.

In summary, while both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell are powerful tools for managing Azure resources, they cater to different user preferences and use cases. Azure CLI is concise and cross-platform, while Azure PowerShell is more verbose and object-oriented. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right tool for your specific needs and improve your efficiency in managing Azure resources.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

Azure PowerShell is a powerful tool for managing Azure resources through scripting and automation. It allows users to perform various tasks, from creating virtual machines to configuring complex network settings. Azure PowerShell is particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks, ensuring consistency, and managing infrastructure as code. For example, you can use PowerShell to create a virtual machine, configure its network settings, and install necessary software, all through a single script.

Azure CLI

The Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) is another tool that enables users to manage Azure resources from the command line. Similar to PowerShell, the Azure CLI is used for automating tasks and managing infrastructure. It is cross-platform, meaning it can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux. A common use case is deploying resources using ARM templates, where the CLI can be used to validate and deploy the template, ensuring that the infrastructure is set up correctly.

Azure Cloud Shell

Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based, interactive shell environment that provides access to both Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI. This tool is pre-configured with the necessary tools and authentication, making it easy to manage Azure resources from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud Shell is particularly useful for quick tasks, troubleshooting, and learning Azure, as it eliminates the need to install any tools locally. For example, you can use Cloud Shell to quickly check the status of a virtual machine or deploy a simple web app.

Real-World Scenarios

In real-world scenarios, these tools are used in various ways. For instance, a developer might use Azure CLI to deploy a new application, while an IT administrator might use Azure PowerShell to automate the creation of virtual machines. Azure Cloud Shell can be used by both for quick checks and troubleshooting. These tools are essential for managing and automating Azure resources, allowing teams to work more efficiently and effectively.

Best Practices

When using these tools, it's important to follow best practices. For example, when using Azure PowerShell or Azure CLI for deployments, it's recommended to use version control for your scripts and templates. This ensures that changes are tracked and can be easily rolled back if needed. Additionally, it's important to use secure methods for storing credentials and avoid hardcoding sensitive information in scripts.

Common Tasks

Common tasks performed with these tools include:

• Creating and managing virtual machines.
• Deploying and configuring web applications.
• Managing network resources.
• Automating backups and disaster recovery.
• Monitoring resource performance. By using Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Cloud Shell, users can effectively manage their Azure resources, automate tasks, and ensure the reliability and security of their cloud infrastructure.

Conclusion

In summary, this section covered the essential tools for managing Azure resources: Azure Cloud Shell, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell. Azure Cloud Shell provides a convenient, browser-based environment for accessing both Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell. Azure CLI is a cross-platform command-line tool with a concise syntax, ideal for automation and quick tasks. Azure PowerShell is a module for PowerShell, offering more flexibility and control for complex scripting. Understanding the differences and use cases of each tool is crucial for effectively managing and automating Azure resources. These tools enable users to perform a wide range of tasks, from creating virtual machines to managing complex network configurations, and are essential for anyone working with Azure.