Introduction

Microsoft's Azure DevOps ecosystem offers a comprehensive suite of tools for software development, including Azure DevOps Services (cloud-based) and Azure DevOps Server (on-premises). While Azure DevOps Services seamlessly integrates with the Azure DevOps Command-Line Interface (CLI), leveraging the CLI with Azure DevOps Server requires additional configuration. This article explores how to effectively utilize the Azure DevOps CLI to automate and manage on-premises Azure DevOps Server instances.

Background

The Azure DevOps CLI is a cross-platform command-line tool designed to interact with Azure DevOps Services. It enables developers and administrators to perform various tasks such as managing repositories, pipelines, and work items directly from the terminal. However, when it comes to Azure DevOps Server, the CLI's compatibility is not as straightforward. Official documentation indicates limited support for on-premises instances, leading to confusion among users. Despite this, with proper configuration, the CLI can be adapted to work with Azure DevOps Server.

Configuring Azure DevOps CLI for Azure DevOps Server

To set up the Azure DevOps CLI for on-premises Azure DevOps Server, follow these steps:

  1. Install Azure CLI: Begin by installing the Azure CLI on your machine. This can be done by downloading the installer from the official Azure CLI documentation.
  2. Add the Azure DevOps Extension: Once the Azure CLI is installed, add the Azure DevOps extension by executing:

``INLINECODE0 `INLINECODE1 `INLINECODE2 `INLINECODE3 `INLINECODE4 `INLINECODE5 Code (Read & Write)INLINECODE6 Work ItemsINLINECODE7 `INLINECODE8 `INLINECODE9 `INLINECODE10 `INLINECODE11 `INLINECODE12 `INLINECODE13 `INLINECODE14 `INLINECODE15 `INLINECODE16 ``

Challenges and Considerations

While integrating the Azure DevOps CLI with Azure DevOps Server enhances automation capabilities, users may encounter challenges:

  • SSL/TLS Issues: On-premises servers often use self-signed certificates, which can cause SSL/TLS errors. To address this, configure the CLI to trust the server's certificate by setting environment variables or using scripts to handle certificate validation. (veegens.wordpress.com)
  • Feature Limitations: Some CLI commands may not be fully supported or behave differently with Azure DevOps Server compared to Azure DevOps Services. It's essential to test commands in a controlled environment before deploying them in production.

Best Practices

To maximize the benefits of using Azure DevOps CLI with Azure DevOps Server:

  • Script Automation: Develop scripts to automate repetitive tasks, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
  • Version Control: Store CLI scripts in a version control system to track changes and facilitate collaboration.
  • Security: Regularly rotate PATs and assign the minimum necessary scopes to reduce security risks.
  • Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of CLI configurations and scripts to aid in troubleshooting and onboarding.

Conclusion

Integrating the Azure DevOps CLI with on-premises Azure DevOps Server instances empowers teams to automate workflows, manage resources efficiently, and maintain consistency across development processes. By following the outlined configuration steps and best practices, organizations can harness the full potential of Azure DevOps CLI in their on-premises environments.