In Azure DevOps, a Personal Access Token (PAT) is used as an alternative to a username and password to authenticate into Azure DevOps and its associated services. PATs are particularly useful in scenarios where you need to script interactions with Azure DevOps or when using third-party tools that integrate with Azure DevOps. Here’s a detailed overview of how PATs work in Azure DevOps:

Creating a Personal Access Token (PAT)

1. Sign in to Azure DevOps: Log into your Azure DevOps organization.

2. Access User Settings: Click on your user profile in the upper right corner and select “Personal access tokens”.

3. Create New Token: Click on “New Token”. Give your token a name, choose the organization it will be used in, and set an expiration date.

4. Select Scopes: Choose the specific access levels and permissions your token should have. These scopes control what the PAT can access, ranging from read-only access to full access to all Azure DevOps services.

5. Create and Copy the Token: Once created, make sure to copy and securely store the PAT. You won’t be able to see it again after you leave this page.

Using a PAT

• In Scripts and Tools: Use the PAT in place of a password in scripts or tools that interact with Azure DevOps.
• API Access: When making REST API calls to Azure DevOps services, use the PAT for authentication.
• Source Control: If you’re using Git, the PAT can be used as the password when pushing or pulling from repositories.

Best Practices for PATs

1. Minimum Necessary Permissions: Only grant the permissions necessary for the tasks the PAT will be used for.
2. Regular Rotation: Regularly replace your PATs to mitigate the risk of abuse.
3. Secure Storage: Store the PAT securely. Treat it like a password, as it provides direct access to your Azure DevOps resources.
4. Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on the usage of your PATs and the activities they perform.
5. Expiration: Set an appropriate expiration date. Short-lived tokens can reduce risk but require more frequent updates in your tools and scripts.

Revoking a PAT

• If a PAT is compromised or no longer needed, you can revoke it from the same “Personal access tokens” page in Azure DevOps.

Limitations

• PATs are tied to a specific user account. If the user’s access rights change or the account is deactivated, the PAT will also lose its validity.

Using PATs is a secure and efficient way to interact with Azure DevOps services, especially for automation and integration with other tools. However, it’s crucial to manage them carefully to ensure the security of your Azure DevOps environment.