Introduction to Azure Cloud Shell: Browser-based Command-Line Interface

Azure Cloud Shell: A Powerful Command-Line Interface for Azure

Azure Cloud Shell is an interactive command-line interface that allows you to manage Azure resources directly from your browser or the Azure Portal. It's free, lightweight, and easy to use, providing a set of preinstalled Azure tools that simplifies the execution of common tasks. In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of Azure Cloud Shell, focusing on its command-line interface.

Key Features

Azure Cloud Shell offers the following key features:

1. Browser-based: Access Azure Cloud Shell from any computer with a web browser, without having to install or configure any software.
2. Customizable: Choose between Bash and PowerShell command-line environments, depending on your preferences and familiarity.
3. Persistent storage: Azure Cloud Shell provides a persistent storage space, so you can save and retrieve files in the cloud.
4. Integrated with Azure Portal: Access Azure Cloud Shell directly from the Azure Portal, allowing you to seamlessly switch between visual and command-line interfaces.

Benefits

Using Azure Cloud Shell provides several benefits, including:

1. Efficiency: Quickly execute commands and scripts to manage Azure resources, such as creating and updating virtual machines, creating storage accounts, and more.
2. Convenience: With the browser-based interface, you can access Azure Cloud Shell from any computer with an internet connection, eliminating the need for local installation and configuration.
3. Ease of use: Azure Cloud Shell provides a set of preinstalled Azure tools, simplifying the execution of common tasks.

How to Use Azure Cloud Shell

To use Azure Cloud Shell, follow these steps:

1. Open the Azure Portal and navigate to the Azure Cloud Shell landing page.
2. Choose between Bash and PowerShell environments.
3. Start writing and executing commands in the command-line interface.

Examples

Here are some examples of tasks you can perform using Azure Cloud Shell:

• Create a new Azure Cosmos DB account.
• Create a new Azure SQL Database.
• Create a new Azure App Service.

Conclusion

Azure Cloud Shell is a powerful and convenient tool for managing Azure resources directly from the command-line interface. Its browser-based interface and preinstalled Azure tools make it easy to execute common tasks efficiently. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting to explore Azure, Azure Cloud Shell is a valuable resource to have in your toolkit.