Hey guys! Today, we're diving into how to install the Azure CLI on your Mac. If you're working with Azure, the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) is your best friend. It lets you manage Azure resources from the terminal, automate tasks, and generally make your life a whole lot easier. So, let’s get this show on the road and get the Azure CLI up and running on your macOS.

Prerequisites

Before we get started, there are a few things you'll need to ensure you have set up on your Mac. It's not much, but these are the basic building blocks. Without these, you might run into some snags, and we want this to be a smooth ride, right?

• A Mac running macOS: Obviously, you need a Mac to install the Azure CLI on macOS. Make sure your operating system is up-to-date to avoid any compatibility issues.
• An Azure subscription: You’ll need an active Azure subscription to use the Azure CLI. If you don’t have one yet, you can sign up for a free Azure account on the Microsoft Azure website. With a free account, you get access to several Azure services and a certain amount of credit to play around with. This is a great way to get your feet wet without spending any money.
• Basic terminal knowledge: Knowing how to open and use the terminal is essential. Don't worry; you don't need to be a command-line wizard. Just knowing how to navigate directories and run basic commands will do.

Method 1: Installing with Homebrew

Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that makes installing software super easy. If you don't have it already, it's time to get it. Here’s how to install the Azure CLI using Homebrew. If you already have it installed, skip to the next step.

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if you don't have it yet)

Open your terminal. You can find it in /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app. Copy and paste the following command into the terminal and press Enter:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

This command downloads and runs the Homebrew installation script. You’ll be prompted to enter your password. Just type it in and press Enter. Don’t worry if you don’t see the cursor moving as you type; that’s normal. Follow the on-screen instructions, and Homebrew will be installed on your system. It's like magic, but with code!

Step 2: Update Homebrew

Once Homebrew is installed, it’s a good idea to update it to the latest version. This ensures you have the most recent packages and dependencies. Run the following command in your terminal:

brew update

This command updates Homebrew and its package lists. It might take a few minutes, so sit tight and let it do its thing. Updating ensures that you get the latest and greatest version of everything you need.

Step 3: Install Azure CLI

Now that Homebrew is up-to-date, you can install the Azure CLI with a single command:

brew install azure-cli

This command tells Homebrew to download and install the Azure CLI. Homebrew will handle all the dependencies and configuration for you. Grab a coffee, because this might take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed. Once it’s done, you’re ready to rock!

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To make sure everything installed correctly, you can check the Azure CLI version. Run the following command:

az --version

This command displays the version of the Azure CLI that you just installed. If you see the version number, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed the Azure CLI on your Mac using Homebrew. If it throws an error, double-check that you typed the command correctly and that Homebrew is properly installed.

Method 2: Installing with the Installation Script

If you prefer not to use Homebrew or if you run into issues with it, you can use the official installation script provided by Microsoft. This method is straightforward and reliable.

Step 1: Download the Installation Script

Open your terminal and run the following command to download the installation script:

curl -L https://aka.ms/InstallAzureCLIDownload | bash

This command downloads the installation script and immediately executes it using bash. The script will guide you through the installation process. Follow the prompts, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Step 2: Follow the Prompts

The installation script will prompt you to confirm the installation location and ask for your password. Enter your password when prompted (you won’t see any characters as you type) and press Enter. The script will then install the Azure CLI and its dependencies. It’s pretty hands-off, so you can sit back and relax while it does its thing.

Step 3: Add Azure CLI to Your PATH (if necessary)

In some cases, the installation script might not automatically add the Azure CLI to your system’s PATH. If this happens, you’ll need to do it manually to be able to run the az command from any terminal window. Here’s how:

Open your shell configuration file in a text editor. This is usually .bashrc, .zshrc, or .profile, depending on which shell you’re using.

Add the following line to the end of the file:

export PATH="$PATH:/usr/local/bin"

Save the file and close the text editor.

Run the following command to reload your shell configuration:

source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.profile, depending on your shell

This makes the az command available from any terminal window. You're golden!

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To verify that the Azure CLI is installed correctly, run the following command:

az --version

If you see the version number, you’re all set. If not, double-check that you followed all the steps correctly and that the Azure CLI is in your system’s PATH.

Logging in to Azure

Now that you have the Azure CLI installed, it's time to log in to your Azure account. This is how you connect the CLI to your Azure subscription so you can manage your resources.

Step 1: Authenticate with Azure

Run the following command in your terminal:

az login

This command opens a browser window where you can log in to your Azure account. Follow the prompts and enter your credentials. If you're already logged in, it might just ask you to confirm your account.

Step 2: Verify Your Account

Once you’ve logged in, the Azure CLI will display your account information. You can also verify your account by running the following command:

az account show

This command displays detailed information about your Azure account, including your subscription ID, tenant ID, and more. If you see your account information, you’re successfully logged in and ready to start managing your Azure resources.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things can go wrong. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

Issue: az command not found

If you get an error saying that the az command is not found, it usually means that the Azure CLI is not in your system’s PATH. Follow the steps in Step 3: Add Azure CLI to Your PATH (if necessary) in the installation script method to add it to your PATH.

Issue: Homebrew not working

If Homebrew isn’t working correctly, make sure it’s properly installed and up-to-date. Run brew doctor to diagnose any issues and follow the recommended steps to fix them.

Issue: Installation failing

If the installation fails, check your internet connection and try again. Sometimes, network issues can interrupt the installation process. If the problem persists, try using the installation script method instead of Homebrew.

Issue: Permission issues

If you encounter permission issues during the installation, try running the commands with sudo. However, be careful when using sudo, as it can have unintended consequences if not used correctly.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve successfully installed the Azure CLI on your Mac and logged in to your Azure account. Now you can start managing your Azure resources from the command line like a pro. Whether you chose to use Homebrew or the installation script, you're now equipped to automate tasks, deploy resources, and much more. Happy coding, and may your Azure adventures be smooth sailing!