VScode authenticating to aws

To authenticate VSCode with AWS without using a programmatic user account and long-term password, you have a couple of recommended options:

1. AWS IAM Identity Center (formerly AWS Single Sign-On): This is the preferred method for authentication. It provides centralized access management and enhanced security features. To set this up:

• In VSCode, click on the AWS Toolkit icon
• Look for the "AWS: LOGIN" menu in the AWS Toolkit explorer
• Choose "Sign in with Identity Center (SSO)"
• Enter your SSO URL and the AWS region where your IAM Identity Center is configured
• Follow the prompts to complete the authentication process

2. AWS Builder ID: This is another option for developers that doesn't require an AWS account for basic features. To use this:

• Open the AWS Toolkit in VSCode
• Look for the "AMAZON Q" section
• Click on "SIGN IN TO GET STARTED"
• Choose the option to sign in with AWS Builder ID

Both of these methods provide more secure alternatives to long-term credentials and are recommended for use with the AWS Toolkit for VSCode. They offer better security practices and easier management of access across multiple AWS services and resources.

Remember, while you can start using some features of the AWS Toolkit for VSCode without authentication, most AWS resources require you to authenticate to access them fully. Using IAM Identity Center or AWS Builder ID allows you to do this securely without relying on long-term credentials.
Sources
Authentication and access for the AWS Toolkit for Visual Studio Code - AWS Toolkit for VS Code
Community | Setting up Amazon Q in VSCode using IAM Identity Center