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2.3.1. Authentication Methods
The choice between API keys and managed identities has significant implications for credential management and compliance. Managed identity eliminates secrets from your code.
Authentication Methods:
| Method | Use Case | Header |
|---|---|---|
| API Key | Development | Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key: {key} |
| Managed Identity | Production | Authorization: Bearer {token} |
🔧 Implementation Reference: Authentication
The following packages and classes are used for each authentication method.
| Item | API Key | Managed Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Package | azure-core | azure-identity |
| Class | AzureKeyCredential | DefaultAzureCredential |
Testable Pattern:
# API Key
from azure.core.credentials import AzureKeyCredential
credential = AzureKeyCredential("your-key")
# Managed Identity
from azure.identity import DefaultAzureCredential
credential = DefaultAzureCredential()
How Managed Identity Authentication Works:
Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder•15 professional certifications