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How To Export Data from Azure DevOps to CSV

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    Introduction

    Exporting data from Azure DevOps to CSV is a critical task for developers and project managers who need to analyze and manipulate their data efficiently.

    This guide provides a step-by-step approach to extract Azure DevOps data into CSV format, ensuring a seamless and accurate export process.

    We will also explore how Sourcetable lets you analyze your exported data with AI in a simple to use spreadsheet.

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    Exporting Data to CSV from Azure DevOps

    • Introduction

      Azure DevOps provides tools to manage and track work items efficiently. Exporting these work items to CSV format is a common requirement for reporting and data analysis purposes. This section covers the necessary steps and methods to export your Azure DevOps data to CSV format.

    • Export via Queries in Azure DevOps UI

      To export work items to CSV, you start by creating a query in the Azure DevOps Boards area. Navigate to the Queries section and click on "New Query." Filter the query based on your criteria, such as Work Item Type and State. Once the query is set up, run it to retrieve the results.

      After running the query, look for the option to export the results. You will typically find an "Export to CSV" button available. Click this button to download your work items in CSV format, which will include fields such as ID, title, description, and parent/child items if they are part of the query results.

    • Export via Azure DevOps REST API

      The Azure DevOps Queries API provides another method to export work items to CSV format. To use this method, you will need to execute a GET REST call to the Azure DevOps API. This involves using tools or scripts to send API requests and retrieve data.

      Start by constructing a GET request according to the Azure DevOps API documentation. Ensure your query specifies the desired fields. Upon executing the GET request, the API will return the query results in CSV format. This approach requires familiarity with REST API usage and appropriate authentication tokens.

    • Best Practices

      When exporting data, always ensure that your queries are well-defined to include only the necessary fields and filters. This makes the export process more efficient and the resulting CSV files more manageable. Additionally, validate the exported CSV data to confirm all required fields, such as ID, title, description, and parent/child items, are correctly included.

    • Conclusion

      Exporting work items from Azure DevOps to CSV can be achieved through the Azure DevOps UI or by using the Azure DevOps REST API. Both methods allow for efficient data export, catering to different user preferences. Choose the method that best suits your workflow and technical expertise.

    How to Export Your Data to CSV Format from Azure DevOps

    Exporting Work Items

    It is possible to export work items from Azure DevOps. You can export work items by retrieving specific fields such as the work item's ID, title, description, and parent/child items.

    Using Azure DevOps Server

    Azure DevOps supports bulk import and export of work items using CSV files. This functionality is available starting from Azure DevOps Server 2019 Update 1. The CSV export feature allows you to modify and manage work item data efficiently.

    Import and Export Requirements

    The CSV file used for import must contain the Work Item Type and Title fields. Additional fields can be included as needed. When importing work items to a different project, be sure to remove the work item ID from the CSV file.

    Editing Exported CSV Files

    Exported CSV files can be edited to prepare the data for re-import or to make bulk updates. Note that multi-line text fields may be handled differently by Excel, and HTML fields must include appropriate HTML tags.

    Using APIs and Commands

    You can also use a GET request to retrieve and format query items as an xlsx file. Additionally, the witadmin tool provides commands such as 'exportwitd' to export definitions of work item types to an XML file, which can then be converted to CSV if needed.

    Excel Integration

    Excel can be used for bulk importing and updating work items. This can be particularly useful for handling multi-line text fields or making bulk modifications before re-importing the data into Azure DevOps.

    Additional Tools and Commands

    The witadmin command-line tool can manage work item types extensively, including exporting definitions and handling global lists referenced by work item types. This is useful for complex project management and bulk editing tasks.

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    Use Cases Unlocked by Azure DevOps

    Automating CI/CD Pipelines

    A well-established e-commerce company leveraged Azure DevOps to implement CI/CD pipelines. This automation significantly speeded up software delivery, improved software quality, and enhanced collaboration among development teams.

    Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

    A financial institution used Azure DevOps for Infrastructure as Code (IaC), enabling automated provisioning, configuration, and scaling of infrastructure resources. This resulted in increased efficiency, reduced errors, and notable cost savings.

    DevSecOps Integration

    A healthcare organization integrated DevSecOps practices using Azure DevOps. This led to reduced vulnerabilities, faster compliance, improved visibility into the development lifecycle, and significant cost savings.

    Microservices and Kubernetes

    A startup adopted a microservices architecture and Kubernetes orchestration through Azure DevOps. This improved scalability, resource allocation, and developer productivity, making the development process more efficient and responsive.

    Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

    Azure DevOps enhances collaboration among multiple departments, fostering better communication and teamwork. Teams can collaborate across disciplines, track work, and manage projects efficiently using Azure Boards and other collaborative tools.

    Flexible Deployment Solutions

    Azure DevOps supports both cloud-based and on-premises deployments, providing flexibility for teams to manage code and tasks with maximum control and security. It also offers cloud-based build and testing services, which provide extensive resources for continuous integration and delivery.

    Customizable Pipelines

    Azure DevOps allows for fully customizable pipelines, accommodating both manual processes and automated steps as required. This flexibility ensures that deployment processes can be tailored to meet specific project needs and complexities.

    Comprehensive Project Management

    Azure DevOps offers end-to-end tools for software creation, deployment, and management. Agile teams can collaborate effectively using Azure Boards, which are instrumental in planning, tracking, and managing projects and portfolios.

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    Why Choose Sourcetable Over Azure DevOps?

    Sourcetable is an innovative spreadsheet solution that centralizes all your data from various sources into one place. Unlike Azure DevOps, which focuses on software development and lifecycle services, Sourcetable is designed for real-time data querying and manipulation.

    With Sourcetable, you can extract precise data from your database instantly. Its spreadsheet-like interface simplifies the data manipulation process, making it intuitive and accessible for users without extensive technical skills.

    Sourcetable's main advantage over Azure DevOps is its ability to handle multiple data sources efficiently. This feature ensures all your business data is synchronized and easily manageable, allowing for more dynamic and flexible data operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I start a new query to export work items from Azure DevOps to CSV?

    To start a new query, go to the Queries in the Boards area and click on New Query. Filter by Work Item Type = [Any] and State = [Any], then run the query.

    Do I need Excel to export work items to CSV from Azure DevOps?

    No, exporting work items to CSV from Azure DevOps does not require Excel.

    How can I export work items from one project to import into another project in Azure DevOps?

    You can use the export feature available with Azure DevOps Server 2019 Update 1 and later versions to export work items from one project. Make sure to remove the work item ID before importing into another project.

    What fields must be included in the CSV file to import new work items into Azure DevOps?

    The CSV file must contain the Work Item Type and the Title fields. You can also include other fields as needed.

    How can I manage work item types using witadmin in Azure DevOps?

    You can use witadmin commands to manage work item types. For example, the exportwitd command exports the definition of a work item type to an XML file.

    Conclusion

    Exporting data from Azure DevOps to CSV is straightforward with the right steps. This process ensures that you can leverage your data effectively for further analysis and reporting.

    With your data now in CSV format, you can unlock deeper insights.

    Sign up for Sourcetable to analyze your exported CSV data with AI in a simple-to-use spreadsheet.

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