Troubleshooting Azure CLI Error Unable To Get API Version For Data Storage Table

July 12, 2025 by StackCamp Team 81 views

If you're encountering the frustrating Unable to get API version for type 'ResourceType.DATA_STORAGE_TABLE' in profile 'latest' error while using the Azure CLI, particularly when working with Azure Storage, you're not alone. This error can halt your Azure DevOps pipelines and disrupt your workflow. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and resolving this issue, ensuring your Azure CLI commands run smoothly.

Understanding the Issue

The error message Unable to get API version for type 'ResourceType.DATA_STORAGE_TABLE' in profile 'latest' indicates that the Azure CLI is unable to determine the correct API version to use for interacting with Azure Storage Tables. This often arises due to inconsistencies in the CLI's profile or when certain extensions are missing or misconfigured. The error typically surfaces when executing commands that involve storage table operations, such as setting blob tags using the az storage blob tag set command. Let’s dive deeper into the root causes and how to tackle them effectively.

Key Symptoms

The error occurs specifically when running Azure CLI commands related to Azure Storage, such as az storage blob tag set.
The error message includes Unable to get API version for type 'ResourceType.DATA_STORAGE_TABLE' in profile 'latest'.
The issue might appear suddenly in pipelines that were previously functioning correctly.

Common Causes

Outdated Azure CLI Version: The Azure CLI evolves rapidly, and using an outdated version can lead to compatibility issues with the latest Azure services. This is the first and foremost reason you should consider.
Missing or Corrupted Extensions: Certain Azure CLI functionalities, like blob tag management, are handled by extensions. If the required extension (storage-blob-preview in this case) is not installed or is corrupted, you'll likely face this error.
Profile Inconsistencies: Azure CLI profiles manage your Azure environment settings. If the profile is misconfigured or outdated, it can lead to API version mismatches.
Conflicting Python Dependencies: Azure CLI relies on Python and its packages. Conflicts or outdated dependencies can sometimes interfere with the CLI's operation.

Diagnosing the Problem

Before jumping into solutions, it's essential to gather information about your environment and the specific error. Debugging is critical for identifying the precise cause and applying the correct fix.

Examining the Error Traceback

The error traceback provides valuable clues. Key parts of the traceback to focus on include:

The specific command that triggered the error (e.g., az storage blob tag set).
The files and modules involved, such as azure/cli/core/profiles/_shared.py and azext_storage_blob_preview. These indicate where the error occurred within the Azure CLI's internal workings.
The APIVersionException, which confirms the API version incompatibility.

Debugging Output

Running the command with the --debug flag provides verbose output that can help pinpoint the issue. Look for the following in the debug output:

Information about loaded modules and extensions.
API version negotiation attempts.
Any file access errors or missing dependencies.

The debug output often reveals whether the CLI is failing to load a specific extension or if there are issues with the Python environment.

Environment Checklist

Azure CLI Version: Ensure you have the latest version installed. You can check your version using az --version.
Extensions: Verify that the storage-blob-preview extension is installed and up-to-date. Use az extension list to see installed extensions and az extension update --name storage-blob-preview to update it.
Python Environment: Check the Python version used by Azure CLI (az --version) and ensure there are no conflicting packages.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Now that we understand the problem and how to diagnose it, let's explore the solutions. These steps are designed to address the most common causes of the Unable to get API version error.

1. Update Azure CLI

Keeping your Azure CLI up-to-date is the most fundamental step. New versions include bug fixes, feature enhancements, and compatibility updates for Azure services. An outdated CLI might lack the necessary API versions to interact with newer Azure Storage features.

az update

This command updates the Azure CLI to the latest version. After the update, restart your terminal or Azure DevOps pipeline agent to ensure the changes take effect. Then, retry the command that failed earlier.

2. Update or Reinstall the `storage-blob-preview` Extension

The storage-blob-preview extension handles blob tagging operations. If it's outdated or corrupted, it can lead to the API version error. Let’s focus on ensuring the storage-blob-preview extension is correctly installed and up to date.

First, list the installed extensions to confirm its presence:

az extension list

If the storage-blob-preview extension is listed, update it using:

az extension update --name storage-blob-preview

If the extension is missing or updating doesn't resolve the issue, try removing and reinstalling it:

az extension remove --name storage-blob-preview
az extension add --name storage-blob-preview

This ensures a clean installation of the extension, resolving any potential corruption issues. By reinstalling the storage-blob-preview extension, you're effectively ensuring that you have the correct version and dependencies required to interact with Azure Storage blobs.

3. Clear the Azure CLI Cache

The Azure CLI caches command metadata and API versions to improve performance. However, this cache can sometimes become outdated or corrupted, leading to errors. Clearing the cache forces the CLI to refresh its metadata, which can resolve API version mismatches.

az cache purge

This command clears the Azure CLI cache. After clearing the cache, you'll need to re-authenticate if prompted, but it ensures that the CLI is using the latest information.

4. Verify Azure CLI Profile

An incorrect or corrupted Azure CLI profile can also cause API version issues. Your Azure CLI profile stores your subscription information and other configuration settings. Ensuring it's correctly set is crucial.

First, check your current profile:

az account show

This command displays your current Azure subscription and account details. Verify that the subscription listed is the one you intend to use. If not, set the correct subscription:

az account set --subscription "YourSubscriptionNameOrId"

If you suspect profile corruption, you can try logging out and logging back in:

az logout
az login

This process refreshes your authentication tokens and profile settings, often resolving inconsistencies.

5. Check Python Dependencies

Azure CLI relies on Python and various Python packages. Conflicts or outdated dependencies can interfere with the CLI’s functionality. If other solutions haven’t worked, it’s worth checking your Python environment.

First, identify the Python location used by Azure CLI:

az --version

The output will include the Python location. Next, you can use pip (Python's package installer) to list installed packages:

/opt/az/bin/python3 -m pip list

Replace /opt/az/bin/python3 with the actual Python path from the az --version output. Look for any packages that might conflict with Azure CLI or are outdated. If you identify any issues, you can try upgrading or reinstalling the packages using pip:

/opt/az/bin/python3 -m pip install --upgrade <package-name>

In some cases, using a virtual environment can help isolate Azure CLI’s dependencies from other Python projects, preventing conflicts.

6. Use Specific API Versions (If Necessary)

In rare cases, you might need to specify a particular API version for a command. However, this is generally not recommended unless you have a specific reason, as it can lead to compatibility issues with other services. If you need to specify an API version, consult the Azure CLI documentation for the command you're using.

Practical Example: Fixing the `az storage blob tag set` Error

Let’s revisit the original problem of the az storage blob tag set command failing with the Unable to get API version error. Based on the solutions discussed, here’s how you can troubleshoot it:

Update Azure CLI:
```
az update
```

Update or Reinstall the storage-blob-preview Extension:

az extension update --name storage-blob-preview

If updating doesn't work, try:

az extension remove --name storage-blob-preview
az extension add --name storage-blob-preview

Clear the Azure CLI Cache:
```
az cache purge
```

Verify Azure CLI Profile:

az account show

If the subscription is incorrect:

az account set --subscription "YourSubscriptionNameOrId"

If you suspect profile issues, try:

az logout
az login

After performing these steps, retry the az storage blob tag set command. In most cases, this will resolve the API version error.

Conclusion

The Unable to get API version for type 'ResourceType.DATA_STORAGE_TABLE' in profile 'latest' error can be a significant hurdle when working with Azure Storage via the Azure CLI. However, by systematically addressing potential causes such as outdated CLI versions, extension issues, profile inconsistencies, and Python dependencies, you can effectively resolve this problem. Regularly updating your Azure CLI and extensions, maintaining a clean Python environment, and verifying your Azure CLI profile are key practices for smooth Azure management. By methodically troubleshooting the error, you ensure your Azure operations continue without disruption. Remember to leverage the debugging tools and techniques discussed here to quickly identify and resolve similar issues in the future. The systematic approach to debugging and resolving this API version error is crucial for maintaining efficient Azure operations.

By following this guide, you can confidently tackle the API version error and ensure your Azure CLI commands execute flawlessly. The systematic approach to troubleshooting, combined with regular maintenance of your Azure CLI environment, will keep your Azure workflows running smoothly.