How do I create a folder inside a container in Azure?

To create a folder inside a container in Azure Storage, you can use Azure Storage Explorer. Here's how:

1. Open Azure Storage Explorer: Launch the Azure Storage Explorer application on your computer.

2. Navigate to the Container:

   • Locate and expand the Azure subscription you want to work with.
   • Expand the "Storage Accounts" section.
   • Choose the relevant storage account.
   • Expand the "Blob Containers" section.
   • Open the existing blob container where you want to create the folder.

3. Create a New Folder: Click on the "New Folder" icon located in the container's toolbar. This is often represented by a folder icon with a plus sign.

4. Name the Folder: A modal window will appear. Enter the desired name for your new folder (virtual directory). Be aware of the message: "This will create a virtual folder."

5. Virtual Folders in Blob Storage: Understand that blob storage doesn't truly have folders in the traditional file system sense. Azure Storage Explorer simulates folders through a naming convention using prefixes in the blob names. For example, if you create a folder named "MyFolder" and then upload a file named "document.txt" into that folder, the blob's full name in Azure Storage would be "MyFolder/document.txt". This is important to keep in mind when accessing the blobs programmatically.

Key Takeaway: While Azure Storage Explorer allows you to manage blobs as if they're in folders, understand that they are really blobs with names containing forward slashes (/) to simulate a hierarchical structure.