How to Use the Command 'az version' (with Examples)
The az version command is an integral part of the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI), commonly referred to as az. This utility is pivotal for developers, system administrators, and IT professionals who interact with Azure’s cloud services via the command line. With az version, users can easily ascertain the current version numbers of the Azure CLI modules and any installed extensions, thus ensuring compatibility and functionality when managing cloud resources, executing scripts, and integrating with CI/CD pipelines.
Use Case 1: Show the Current Version of Azure CLI Modules and Extensions in JSON Format
Code:
az version
Motivation:
Understanding the version of your Azure CLI is crucial for various reasons. Firstly, reviewing the version information helps ensure that you’re using an up-to-date installation which includes the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. It can also assist in debugging scripts where a newer or older CLI behavior might differ. Furthermore, when seeking support or troubleshooting issues, having the version details at hand can streamline communication with technical support or communities for more specific guidance.
Explanation:
The az version command, as used in this form, triggers the Azure CLI to display the version information of both the core CLI and any extensions you’ve installed. The command defaults to output the data in JSON format, giving a structured, comprehensive overview that includes module versions and, potentially, their respective release dates or changelog references. This default behavior simplifies parsing the output programmatically, especially when integrated into automation scripts or queried within configuration management tools.
Example Output:
{
"azure-cli": "2.31.0",
"azure-cli-core": "2.31.0",
"extensions": {
"aks-preview": "0.5.0",
"ai-examples": "0.2.0"
}
}
Use Case 2: Show the Current Version of Azure CLI Modules and Extensions in a Given Format
Code:
az version --output table
Motivation:
While JSON is a common format for returning complex data, there are situations where more human-readable output is preferable. For instance, if you’re presenting information in a team meeting or documenting version setups for auditors, a table or plain text format can provide clarity and readability. It’s also beneficial when you need a quick glance at all version information without the verbosity or depth of JSON format, focusing on simplicity and straightforwardness.
Explanation:
In this command, the --output flag specifies the desired format of the output data, which can be selected among json, table, or tsv. By using --output table, the results are presented in a visually friendly tabular format directly within the terminal. This customization allows users to cater their output view to best fit the context they’re working in—whether that’s integration into scripts, direct human interaction, or documentation purposes.
Example Output:
Component Version
--------------- -------
azure-cli 2.31.0
azure-cli-core 2.31.0
aks-preview 0.5.0
ai-examples 0.2.0
Conclusion:
With the az version command, Azure CLI users can quickly check the version of their installed Azure CLI and its extensions. Whether included in scripting automation or as a standalone check for ensuring the CLI is up-to-date, this command provides a simple yet powerful tool. By allowing output customizations through the --output option, the command accommodates varying needs—from machine-readable formats to clear, human-friendly displays. As environments and dependencies evolve, keeping track of version details with az version becomes an essential part of cloud infrastructure management.
