Automating DevOps Workflows with Azure DevOps CLI

Introduction

Azure DevOps CLI simplifies the process of managing and automating DevOps workflows. It provides a powerful, scriptable interface to interact with Azure DevOps resources directly from your terminal. Whether you manage pipelines, repositories, or work items, this tool ensures consistency and speed in your operations.

Adopting CLI-based workflows can save time, reduce human error, and provide a clear path to scalable automation.

In this guide, we will explore how to set up, utilize, and optimize Azure DevOps CLI for various scenarios.

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Setting Up Azure DevOps CLI

Prerequisites for Azure CLI Installation

Before getting started, ensure you have:

An active Azure account.
Azure CLI installed on your localhost machine (Installation Setup).
Basic understanding of Azure DevOps services.

Download and install the Azure CLI version that matches your operating system.
After installation, check it by running az –version in your terminal.

Configuring the Azure CLI for DevOps

Once installed, configure the Azure DevOps extension:

To install the Azure DevOps extension, execute the following command:

az extension add --name azure-devops

1	az extension add --name azure-devops

2. Authenticate using az login.

3. Set your default organization and project:

az devops configure --defaults organization=https://dev.azure.com/<YourOrg>/

1	az devops configure --defaults organization=https://dev.azure.com/<YourOrg>/

Proper setup ensures that commands work seamlessly across your resources.

Core Commands for Azure DevOps

Managing Projects and Repositories

Azure DevOps CLI lets you create, list, and manage projects and repositories easily.

For example, to create a project, use:

az devops project create --name <Your ProjectName>

1	az devops project create --name <Your ProjectName>

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Managing repositories is equally straightforward.

To Clone and Create a repository, execute:

az repos clone --repository <YourRepoURL>
az repos create --name <YourRepoName> --project=<YourProjectName>
az repos list --project=<YourProjectName>

az repos clone --repository <YourRepoURL>

az repos create --name <YourRepoName> --project=<YourProjectName>

az repos list --project=<YourProjectName>

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Building and Deploying Pipelines

Pipeline automation is one of the CLI’s key strengths.

Use this command to queue a pipeline:

az pipelines run --name <YourPipelineName>

1	az pipelines run --name <YourPipelineName>

To create a new pipeline from YAML:

az pipelines create --name <NewPipeline > --yaml-path path/to/yaml

1	az pipelines create --name <NewPipeline > --yaml-path path/to/yaml

Advanced Features and Use Cases

Automating Repetitive Tasks with Scripts

Combine multiple commands into a script to automate end-to-end workflows.
For instance, a script to create a repository, add files, and trigger a build might look like this:

#!/bin/bash
az repos create --name NewRepo
git init && git remote add origin <repo-url>
git push origin main
az pipelines run --name BuildPipeline

#!/bin/bash

az repos create --name NewRepo

git init && git remote add origin <repo-url>

git push origin main

az pipelines run --name BuildPipeline

This approach reduces manual effort and enhances productivity.

Integrating with Other CI/CD Tools

Azure DevOps CLI integrates well with tools like Jenkins and GitHub Actions.
You can use CLI commands within Jenkins pipelines or GitHub workflows to bridge systems seamlessly.

Such integrations maximize the efficiency of your CI/CD ecosystem.

Best Practices for Using Azure DevOps CLI

Security Considerations

Avoid storing credentials in scripts. Use Secrets manager like Azure Key Vault or environment variables.
Regularly update the CLI to ensure compatibility and security.

Tips for Efficient Workflows

Use global parameters to reduce repetitive typing, such as setting a default project.
For detailed command usage, utilize the –help flag:

az pipelines --help

1	az pipelines --help

Conclusion

The Azure DevOps CLI is an essential tool for DevOps teams.
Its capabilities extend from simple task automation to complex CI/CD integrations.

By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this guide, you can unlock its full potential for your workflows.
Streamline your operations today with Azure DevOps CLI and witness the transformative impact of automation.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding Azure DevOps CLI and we will get back to you quickly.

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FAQs

1. Why use Azure DevOps CLI?

ANS: – Azure DevOps CLI simplifies managing and automating DevOps workflows, providing a scriptable interface for consistent and speedy operations.

2. What are the prerequisites for setting up AzureCLI for Azure DevOps?

ANS: – You need an active Azure account, Azure CLI installed on your machine, and a basic understanding of Azure DevOps services.

WRITTEN BY Navneet Nirmal Toppo

Navneet is a Research Associate at CloudThat. He is a Microsoft Certified Solution Professional and a Certified Network Security Specialist and who has experience in AWS, Azure, GCP & vSphere. He is passionate about cloud computing, cybersecurity, and learning new cloud-native technologies who strives to provide the best cloud experience to clients through transparency.