Azure NetApp Files VS Code Extension
AI-Powered Storage Management for Developers
A VS Code extension that brings Azure NetApp Files (ANF) storage management directly into your development environment. Manage storage resources, generate templates, and get AI-powered recommendations without leaving VS Code.
The Solution: AI-powered storage management integrated directly into VS Code with natural language commands and intelligent recommendations.
✨ Key Features
AI-Powered Chat Integration
- @anf Chat Participant: Natural language storage management through GitHub Copilot
- Intelligent Recommendations: AI-powered analysis and optimization suggestions
- Context-Aware Assistance: Framework-specific code generation and best practices
Core Functionality
- Resource Management: Browse and manage ANF accounts, capacity pools, and volumes
- Template Generation: Create ARM, Terraform, and Powershell templates with AI assistance
- One-Click Operations: Copy connection strings, generate mount scripts, and deploy templates
- Real-Time Analysis: Performance metrics and cost optimization insights
Developer/Devops Experience
- Zero Context Switching: Everything happens in VS Code
- Natural Language Commands: "analyze this volume", "generate ARM template", "optimize configuration"
- Framework Integration: Direct code insertion for .NET, Python, Java, Node.js
Prerequisites
- VS Code: Version 1.77.0 or higher
- Azure Account: With access to Azure NetApp Files
- Azure Subscription: With ANF service enabled
- Permissions: Contributor or NetApp Contributor role on target subscriptions
- GitHub Copilot: For AI-powered chat features (optional but recommended)
Installation
From VS Code Marketplace
- Open VS Code
- Go to Extensions (
Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
- Search for "Azure NetApp Files"
- Click Install
From Source
git clone https://github.com/NetApp/anf-vscode-extension.git
cd anf-vscode-extension
npm install
npm run compile
Quick Start
1. Authentication
# Sign in to Azure
Ctrl+Shift+P → "Azure NetApp Files: Sign in to Azure"
# Select subscription
Ctrl+Shift+P → "Azure NetApp Files: Select Subscription"
2. Explore Resources
- Open ANF Explorer in the sidebar
- Browse your accounts, pools, and volumes
- Right-click items for context actions
3. Try AI Features
Open GitHub Copilot chat and try:
"@anf analyze this volume""@anf generate ARM template for this setup"
Natural Language Commands
Transform complex storage management into simple conversations:
| Command |
Description |
Example |
@anf analyze this volume |
Get AI-powered analysis and recommendations |
Analyzes performance, cost, and optimization opportunities |
@anf generate ARM template |
Create deployment templates |
Generates production-ready ARM templates |
@anf what is this volume |
Get detailed resource information |
Provides comprehensive resource details |
Configuration
Extension Settings
Access via File → Preferences → Settings → Extensions → Azure NetApp Files
Workspace Configuration
Add to .vscode/settings.json:
{
"anf-extension.defaultServiceLevel": "Premium",
"anf-extension.refreshInterval": 10,
"anf-extension.aiAdvisor.enabled": true
}
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
"No enabled subscriptions found"
- Cause: Authenticated to tenant without ANF subscriptions
- Solution: Run
Azure NetApp Files: Select Tenant and choose correct tenant
"Authentication failed"
- Cause: Expired or invalid credentials
- Solution: Run
Azure NetApp Files: Sign in to Azure to re-authenticate
"@anf commands not working"
- Cause: GitHub Copilot not installed or AI features disabled
- Solution: Install GitHub Copilot extension and enable AI features in settings
Extension not loading
- Cause: VS Code compatibility or corrupted installation
- Solution: Restart VS Code and reinstall the extension
Debug Mode
Enable debug logging:
{
"anf-extension.debug": true,
"anf-extension.logLevel": "debug"
}
Security
- Authentication: Uses VS Code's built-in Microsoft authentication provider
- Token Storage: Securely stored in VS Code's global state
- Permissions: Requires only necessary Azure permissions
- Data Privacy: No ANF data stored locally
- Enterprise Compliance: Supports Azure AD conditional access policies
Manual Testing
- Install extension in development mode
- Sign in to Azure with test subscription
- Test all major features and commands
📚 Resources
📄 License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
🆘 Support
