1# App Configuration — Python SDK Quick Reference
2 
3> Condensed from **azure-appconfiguration-py**. Full patterns (feature flags,
4> snapshots, read-only settings, async client, labels)
5> in the **azure-appconfiguration-py** plugin skill if installed.
6 
7## Install
8pip install azure-appconfiguration azure-identity
9 
10## Quick Start
11 
12> **Auth:** `DefaultAzureCredential` is for local development. See [auth-best-practices.md](../auth-best-practices.md) for production patterns.
13 
14```python
15from azure.appconfiguration import AzureAppConfigurationClient
16from azure.identity import DefaultAzureCredential
17client = AzureAppConfigurationClient(base_url="https://<name>.azconfig.io", credential=DefaultAzureCredential())
18```
19 
20## Best Practices
21- Use labels for environment separation (dev, staging, prod)
22- Use key prefixes for logical grouping (app:database:*, app:cache:*)
23- Make production settings read-only to prevent accidental changes
24- Create snapshots before deployments for rollback capability
25- Use Entra ID instead of connection strings in production
26- Refresh settings periodically in long-running applications
27- Use feature flags for gradual rollouts and A/B testing
28