Discover the Azure CLI Version with Ease

As a cloud infrastructure provider, Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of tools and services to manage and deploy applications efficiently. One of these tools is the Azure Command Line Interface (CLI), a powerful command-line tool for managing Azure resources. But how do you know which version of Azure CLI you are running? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to find out the version of your Azure CLI and what to do if you need to update it.

What is the Azure CLI?

Azure CLI is a cross-platform, command-line interface that allows administrators and developers to interact with Azure resources. It simplifies the management of Azure services, offering a straightforward and efficient way to perform various tasks, such as creating and managing virtual machines, storage accounts, and other resources.

The Azure CLI version that you are running can provide valuable information, such as whether you have the latest features and bug fixes for managing your Azure environment. Keeping your CLI updated ensures that you are using the most current and secure versions of the tools provided by Microsoft.

Checking the Azure CLI Version

The command to check the version of your installed Azure CLI is simple and straightforward. To find your installed version and verify if an update is necessary, simply run the following command in your terminal:

az version

This command will display the version of your current Azure CLI installation, along with other details about the Azure services you are using. If a new version of the CLI is available, you will be prompted to update it.

Using the Azure Classic CLI

Do note that the Azure Classic CLI is intended for users who are working with the legacy Azure deployment model. This model was the original deployment model for Azure and is still supported for existing subscriptions that were created before the general availability of the Azure Resource Manager (ARM) model.

If you are using the Azure Classic CLI, you will need to install it separately. The Azure Classic CLI is designed for previous generations of Azure services, such as storage accounts and virtual machines, that are managed under the old deployment model.

Steps to Update the Azure CLI

If you find that your Azure CLI version is outdated and you need to update it, follow these steps to install the latest version:

Uninstall the current version of the Azure CLI. You can do this by following the instructions provided on the official Microsoft documentation for your operating system.

Download and install the most recent version of the Azure CLI from the official Microsoft website or use the package manager for your operating system.

After installation, run az version again to verify that you have the latest version installed.

Conclusion

Checking the Azure CLI version is a crucial step in managing your Azure environment efficiently. By ensuring that you are running the latest version of the Azure CLI, you can take advantage of new features and improvements that Microsoft releases.

Whether you are using the Azure Classic CLI or the more modern Azure CLI, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you to stay up-to-date and make the most of your time managing Azure resources.