How to use the command 'gh auth' (with examples)

The gh auth command is an essential part of the GitHub CLI toolset, allowing users to manage authentication with GitHub. This command provides functionalities such as logging in, checking authentication status, logging out, and managing permissions for repositories. With gh auth, users can swiftly and securely authenticate with GitHub, paving the way for seamless interactions with their repositories via the command line.

Log in with interactive prompt

Code:

gh auth login

Motivation:
Using the interactive prompt to log in is user-friendly and guides users through the authentication process step-by-step. This approach is particularly helpful for beginners or those who wish to authenticate swiftly without delving into more advanced options.

Explanation:
The gh auth login command initiates a guided login process where users are prompted for their GitHub credentials. This interactive process also handles selecting preferred authentication mechanisms, such as browser or device-based authentication, making it accessible and straightforward.

Example Output:
Upon executing this command, you will be guided through a series of interactive prompts requiring your GitHub username and password (or a token). Once the process is completed successfully, the output typically confirms your authentication and sets your environment ready for further GitHub CLI operations.

Log in with a token from stdin

Code:

echo your_token | gh auth login --with-token

Motivation:
Logging in with a token is useful for automated scripts or CI/CD processes where interactive login is not feasible. Tokens offer a method to authenticate securely without typing passwords directly.

Explanation:

• echo your_token: This part generates the token, which could be stored in an environment variable or directly in code.
• |: This pipe sends the token output directly to the next command.
• gh auth login --with-token: The --with-token argument specifies that a Personal Access Token (PAT) will be used instead of a password, enhancing security and enabling automation.

Example Output:
If successful, the command returns a confirmation that you’ve logged in via token, and your session is set up to interact with GitHub without needing further login.

Check if you are logged in

Code:

gh auth status

Motivation:
Knowing your authentication status helps verify your login status, ensuring that your CLI commands will execute without unnecessary authentication errors or issues.

Explanation:
The gh auth status command checks whether you are currently authenticated and reports the status. It detects if your session is active and also reveals the level of permissions granted.

Example Output:
The command displays your current authentication status along with details of the authenticated account and permissions. If authenticated, it confirms the active GitHub account linked with the CLI.

Log out

Code:

gh auth logout

Motivation:
Logging out of the CLI is essential when switching users, managing multiple accounts, or maintaining security by ending unused sessions.

Explanation:
The gh auth logout command signs you out of your current session, revoking the authentication until another login command is executed.

Example Output:
When you log out, the CLI returns a confirmation message stating that you have been signed out successfully, ensuring no accidental use of the previous credentials.

Log in with a specific GitHub Enterprise Server

Code:

gh auth login --hostname github.example.com

Motivation:
For enterprise users, logging into a specific GitHub Enterprise Server allows you to access custom or private repositories hosted on your organization’s server.

Explanation:

• gh auth login: Initiates the login process.
• --hostname github.example.com: This option specifies the hostname of your GitHub Enterprise Server, replacing the default public GitHub server with your organization’s server.

Example Output:
Upon executing this command, an interactive prompt guides you through logging into your specified enterprise server, confirming access with an appropriate message once the authentication is successful.

Refresh the session to ensure authentication credentials have the correct minimum scopes

Code:

gh auth refresh

Motivation:
Refreshing the session optimizes the granted permission scopes, ensuring that only required access levels are maintained, enhancing security and efficiency in operations.

Explanation:
The gh auth refresh command updates your current session, removing additional scopes previously requested and ensuring compliance with necessary, minimal permissions.

Example Output:
The command executes with no visual change, but internally, it updates the authentication session, reporting the confirmation of refreshed credentials with minimal scopes.

Expand the permission scopes

Code:

gh auth refresh --scopes repo,admin:repo_hook,admin:org,admin:public_key,admin:org_hook,...

Motivation:
Expanding permission scopes is crucial when new operations requiring more privileges are introduced, granting the CLI more access to specific GitHub features.

Explanation:

• gh auth refresh: Refreshes the session similar to the command without options.
• --scopes: Allows specification of additional permission scopes you require within your session. These scopes, such as repo, admin:repo_hook, etc., grant access to different functionalities of GitHub.

Example Output:
Upon execution, the CLI updates your session with the specified scopes, confirming that your session details have been expanded to include broader access permissions.

Conclusion:

Managing authentication effectively using the gh auth command simplifies workflows and enhances security for GitHub CLI users. This article discussed various utility scenarios, from basic login methods to refreshing permission scopes, offering users comprehensive insights for managing their GitHub CLI authentication seamlessly.