Storing secrets directly in applications or configuration files increases operational risk. Migrating to Azure Key Vault centralizes secret management, supports rotation, and removes embedded credentials from application code. GitHub Copilot app modernization accelerates this process by identifying credential usage areas and generating changes for Key Vault integration.
What This Migration Covers
GitHub Copilot app modernization helps with:
- Detecting secrets hard‑coded in source files, config files, or environment variables.
- Recommending retrieval patterns using Azure Key Vault SDKs.
- Updating application code to load secrets from Key Vault.
- Preparing configuration updates to remove stored credentials.
- Surfacing dependency, version, and API adjustments required for Key Vault usage.
Project Analysis
Once the project is opened in Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ IDEA, GitHub Copilot app modernization analyzes:
- Hard‑coded credentials: passwords, tokens, client secrets, API keys.
- Legacy configuration patterns using .properties, .yaml, or environment variables.
- Azure SDK usage and required upgrades for Key Vault integration.
- Areas requiring secure retrieval or replacement with a managed identity.
Migration Plan Generation
The tool creates a step‑by‑step migration plan including:
- Introducing Key Vault client libraries.
- Mapping existing credential variables to Key Vault secrets.
- Updating configuration loading logic to retrieve secrets at runtime.
- Integrating Managed Identity authentication if applicable.
- Removing unused credential fields from code and configuration.
Automated Transformations
GitHub Copilot app modernization applies targeted changes:
- Rewrites code retrieving credentials from files or constants.
- Generates Key Vault retrieval patterns using SecretClient.
- Updates build dependencies to current Azure SDK versions.
- Removes unused configuration entries and environment variables.
Build & Fix Iteration
The project is rebuilt and validated:
- Fixes constructor changes related to updated clients.
- Resolves missing dependency versions.
- Corrects updated method signatures for Key Vault API calls.
- Rebuilds until no actionable errors remain.
Security & Behavior Checks
The tool surfaces:
- CVEs introduced by new or updated libraries.
- Behavior changes tied to lazy loading of secrets at runtime.
- Optional fixes or alternative patterns if Key Vault integration affects existing workflows.
Expected Output
After modernization:
- Credentials removed from source and config files.
- Application retrieves secrets from Azure Key Vault.
- Updated Azure SDK versions aligned with Key Vault.
- A summary file detailing code changes, dependency updates, and review items.
Developer Responsibilities
Developers should:
- Provision Key Vault resources and assign required access policies.
- Validate permissions through Managed Identity or service principals.
- Test application startup, error handling, and rotation scenarios.
- Review semantic impacts on components relying on early secret loading.
Refer to the Microsoft Learn guide on upgrading Java projects with GitHub Copilot app modernization for foundational workflow details.
Learn more
Predefined tasks for GitHub Copilot app modernization
Install GitHub Copilot app modernization for VS Code and IntelliJ IDEA
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