Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Azure Storage Resource Tool, particularly focusing on Azure Storage Explorer and related management tools. This guide will cover its capabilities, setup, and usage for managing Azure storage resources effectively.
Azure Storage Resource Tool
Azure Storage Explorer is a versatile and powerful standalone application designed for managing Azure Storage data across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to connect, manage, and operate on Azure storage accounts and resources efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of its features and functionalities.
Key Features of Azure Storage Explorer
- Multiple Connection Options:
- Azure Subscriptions: Connect directly to storage accounts associated with your Azure subscriptions.
- Shared Accounts: Access storage accounts shared from other Azure subscriptions, facilitating collaboration across different projects or teams.
- Local Storage Emulator: Manage local storage using the Azure Storage Emulator, which simulates Azure Blob, Queue, and Table services.
- Integration with Other Services: Connect to various Azure services like Cosmos DB and Azure Data Lake Store for comprehensive data management.
- Microsoft Azure Storage Emulator:
- The Azure Storage Emulator provides a local environment to develop and test applications without incurring costs.
- It emulates Azure Blob, Queue, and Table services using a local Microsoft SQL Server instance and the local file system.
- This emulator is included in the Microsoft Azure SDK, and users can also install it via a standalone installer.
Integration with Visual Studio
Server Explorer
- Azure Storage Node: In Visual Studio, the Azure Storage node within Server Explorer displays resources from both the local storage emulator and Azure storage accounts.
- Exploring Resources: Users can navigate through the Development node to view resources in the storage emulator and expand storage account nodes to access Blobs, Queues, and Tables.
Cloud Explorer
- Resource Management: Cloud Explorer enables developers to view Azure resources and resource groups, inspect their properties, and perform diagnostics from within Visual Studio.
- Client Libraries: To develop applications that interact with Azure Storage, developers can use Azure Storage client libraries. By using connection strings, they can connect to Azure Storage accounts and utilize classes and methods to manage blob, table, file, or queue storage.
Management APIs
- API Access: Developers can create and manage Azure Storage accounts and connection keys through the Management API.
- NuGet Package: The Microsoft.Azure.Management.Storage.Fluent package must be installed to utilize the management APIs for Azure Storage resource management.
Steps to Use Azure Storage Explorer
Follow these steps to manage Azure Storage resources effectively using Azure Storage Explorer:
Step 1: Installation
- Download and install the Azure Storage Explorer application that corresponds to your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 2: Initial Setup
- Upon launching the application for the first time, a welcome screen will appear. Click Next to proceed.
Step 3: Connect to Azure Account
- Enter your Azure login credentials to connect your Azure account with Azure Storage Explorer.
Step 4: Select Subscription
- After adding your Azure account, select the subscription from which you want to view the storage accounts. Click Apply to confirm.
Step 5: Explore Storage Resources
- You will see two main nodes: Local and Attached (representing the storage emulator) and the selected storage account.
- Here, you can view containers, blobs, queues, tables, and other resources available in your storage account.
Actions You Can Perform
Once connected, you can perform various operations, such as:
- Managing Containers: Copy block containers, set public access levels, and manage shared access policies.
- Blob Operations: Upload, download, delete, and manage blobs within containers.
- Queue Operations: Add or delete messages in queues.
- Table Operations: Manage table entities, including insert, update, and delete actions.