Azure Pipelines Task Lib, officially known as the Azure Pipelines Task Library, is a set of Node.js and PowerShell modules that provide common functions needed to create custom tasks in Azure Pipelines. These libraries are essential for anyone looking to extend the capabilities of Azure Pipelines through custom task development. Here’s an overview of the Azure Pipelines Task Lib, its features, and how it is typically used:

Overview

1. Purpose:

   • The Task Lib is designed to simplify the process of creating custom tasks in Azure Pipelines. It provides pre-built functions that handle common requirements like logging, reading inputs, and setting outputs.

2. Node.js and PowerShell Support:

   • The library is available for both Node.js and PowerShell, accommodating different preferences or requirements for task development.

3. Open Source:

   • The Task Lib is open source and available on GitHub, allowing developers to contribute or review the source code for a deeper understanding of its functionalities.

Key Features

1. Logging Functions:

   • Functions for different levels of logging (info, warning, error) are provided, which helps in debugging and monitoring the custom task during execution.

2. Input Handling:

   • The library includes functions to easily retrieve inputs defined in task.json, making it straightforward to access parameters passed to the task.

3. Output Setting:

   • It provides methods to set outputs that can be consumed by subsequent tasks in the pipeline.

4. Execution Control:

   • There are functionalities to control the execution flow, such as setting task result (success/failure), which is crucial for CI/CD workflows.

5. Utility Functions:

   • The library includes utility functions, like finding files and directories, which are commonly required in custom tasks.

Usage

1. Creating Custom Tasks:

   • Developers use these libraries when creating custom tasks in Azure Pipelines. A custom task is defined by a task.json file and a script (JavaScript/TypeScript for Node.js, PowerShell for the PowerShell version) that contains the task’s logic.

2. Integration with Azure Pipelines:

   • Once created, these tasks can be integrated into Azure DevOps pipelines and used like any other built-in task, providing additional functionality or integrating with external systems not supported out-of-the-box.

3. Community and Extensions:

   • The Azure DevOps marketplace has many extensions that include custom tasks. Developers can publish their custom tasks to the marketplace or share within their organization.

Getting Started

• Documentation and Tutorials:
  • Microsoft provides documentation and tutorials on how to create custom tasks using the Azure Pipelines Task Library.
• GitHub Repository:
  • The source code and latest updates of the Task Lib are available on GitHub, offering a resource for learning and contributing.

Conclusion

The Azure Pipelines Task Lib is a powerful tool for extending the capabilities of Azure Pipelines, enabling DevOps teams to tailor their CI/CD pipelines to their specific needs. By using this library, developers can create custom tasks that integrate seamlessly into Azure Pipelines, enhancing automation, efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of the software development lifecycle.