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Labs

Develop a Python App to Access Key Vault Using a Service Principal

Azure Active Directory (AD) can play a crucial role in not only user management, but also with application security for Azure-based solutions. When an application is registered in Azure AD and provided a service principal, it can be used to securely access other Azure resources that support Azure AD authentication. In this hands-on lab, we'll use an existing service principal and client secret to demonstrate how a registered application can use Azure AD authentication to access Key Vault.

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Labs

Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 1h 0m
Last updated
Clock icon Sep 01, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Create a Key Vault

    In the Azure portal, create a key vault.

    Ensure the service principal is granted full access to the key vault via an access policy (using the service principal ID provided for you on the lab details page).

  2. Challenge

    Set Up the Python Application

    Either on your own local development environment or within the Azure portal Cloud Shell (Bash), set up the Python application provided for you.

    You will need to download the Python application, and use pip to install the required Azure packages.

  3. Challenge

    Configure the Python Application

    Either on your own local development environment or within the Azure portal Cloud Shell (Bash), add the required Azure AD and key vault details for the Python application.

  4. Challenge

    Run the Python Application and Access Secrets in the Key Vault

    Either on your own local development environment or within the Azure portal Cloud Shell (Bash), run the Python application.

    You can test the creation and retrieval of secrets from the key vault.

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What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.