docs: Credential architecture internals documentation#3886
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Adds docs/design/credential-architecture.md covering: - High-level credential loading flow (CredentialsProvider → DefaultCredentialsLoader → ICredentialSourceLoader) - Key interfaces and their assemblies - All built-in credential source loaders - CredentialDescription lifecycle (Initial → Loaded/Skipped) - Token binding (Bearer vs mTLS PoP) flow - Credential wiring to MSAL detail - Extension points for custom loaders and assertion providers - Credential fallback chain semantics - End-to-end sequence diagrams for FIC+MI Bearer and Certificate mTLS PoP scenarios - Summary matrix of credential type × token type compatibility Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
iarekk
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Jul 7, 2026
This was referenced Jul 10, 2026
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Summary
Adds docs/design/credential-architecture.md — an internal architecture doc explaining how credentials are loaded, resolved, and wired to MSAL at runtime.
This is intended for contributors and anyone extending the credential system. The existing credentials-README.md covers the user-facing 'which credential to pick' perspective; this doc covers the internals.
What's covered
Verification
All content verified against current codebase (commit 57860b3). Reviewed for accuracy against TokenAcquisition.cs, CredentialsProvider.cs, DefaultCredentialsLoader.cs, ConfidentialClientApplicationBuilderExtension.cs, and all loader implementations.
Type of change