For GitHub-Actions: CLI or ML-extension needed?

Question

Hi,

I'm confused:

on the knowledge-check page 6 of the GitHub Actions course (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/trigger-azure-machine-learn-jobs-github-actions/6-knowledge-check) the answer to "Which steps need to be included in a GitHub Actions workflow to train a model?" is: "Check out the repo, sign in to Azure, install the ML extension and trigger an Azure Machine Learning job."

Which is in agreement with "Prequisites" on: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/machine-learning/how-to-github-actions-machine-learning

---

But on page 3 of this learning course (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/trigger-github-actions-trunk-based-development/3-explore-solution-architecture) is a link: "To view a more detailed architecture, explore the various use cases in the MLOps (v2) solution accelerator"

...leading to the README on https://github.com/Azure/mlops-v2, "This project is intended to serve as the starting point for MLOps implementation in Azure."

Under "Prequisites" there:

...

2. For Azure DevOps-based deployments and projects:

• Azure CLI with azure-devops extension.
• ...

3. For GitHub-based deployments and projects:

• Azure CLI
• GitHub client

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-> NOT ML extension, but Azure CLI

Do I need to install the ML extension only if I start with ML studio (...then, I need to install the ML extension anyway...) and to install the Azure CLI ONLY if I start with a GitHub Repo?

Bye

Michael

Answer 1

Hi Michael Schmidt,

Thank you for contacting us from the Microsoft Q&A forum. I appreciate your question regarding the prerequisites on how to use GitHub Actions with Azure Machine Learning and appreciate that it might sometimes be a little confusing. Let me clarify the requirements for you.

GitHub Actions Workflow Steps

• To train a model using GitHub Actions, the typical steps include:
• Checking out the repository.
• Signing in to Azure.
• Installing the Azure CLI.
• Triggering an Azure Machine Learning job.

ML Extension vs. Azure CLI

1.Azure CLI:

• Required for GitHub-based deployments and projects.
• This is the primary tool you will need to interact with Azure services from your GitHub Actions workflow.

2.ML Extension:

• This is specifically needed if you are working directly with Azure Machine Learning Studio.
• If you are using GitHub Actions to trigger Azure Machine Learning jobs, the ML extension is not necessary.

Conclusion

• You only need to install the ML extension if you are starting with Azure Machine Learning Studio.
• For GitHub repository-based projects, installing the Azure CLI is sufficient.

If you encounter any further challenges, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us, and we'll be more than happy to provide additional assistance.

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