Managing secret configuration values in .NET Core applications running in Azure is crucial for application security, particularly when sensitive data such as API keys and connection strings are involved. Various methods for managing these secrets include hard-coding them in the application, using configuration files, environment variables, and leveraging Azure services such as Azure Key Vault and Managed Identities. Hard-coding secrets poses significant risks, especially with version control systems that might expose them inadvertently. Configuration files like appsettings.json can segregate development and production settings, but still risk accidental exposure. Environment variables offer an alternative by allowing CI/CD systems to inject secrets during deployment, while Azure Key Vault provides a more robust solution by securely storing secrets, which can be accessed by applications via Service Principals or Managed Identities. Managed Identities simplify credential management by automatically handling Service Principal creation and secret rotation. Additionally, integrating Key Vault with Application Settings secures the secret values further by keeping them out of the application code. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Azure can eliminate the need for storing sensitive information by managing permissions directly, offering a highly secure alternative. Infrastructure as Code tools like Pulumi support these practices by facilitating secure configuration management and integration of Azure features, enhancing the overall security and reliability of applications.