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

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
3. Search for "Azure NetApp Files"
4. 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

1. Install extension in development mode
2. Sign in to Azure with test subscription
3. Test all major features and commands

📚 Resources

• VS Code Marketplace - Install the extension
• Documentation - Complete user guide
• GitHub Repository - Source code and issues
• Community Forum - Get help and share feedback
• NetApp Support - Technical support

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🆘 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues
• Documentation: Azure NetApp Files Docs
• Community: Azure Community Forums