What is MSAL and how is it used?

Short answer: MSAL (Microsoft Authentication Library) enables apps to authenticate users and acquire tokens. Supports .NET, JavaScript, Python, Java.

Example code

acquiring token in .NET: var app = ConfidentialClientApplicationBuilder.Create(clientId) .WithClientSecret(clientSecret) .WithAuthority(new Uri($" .Build(); string[] scopes = { " }; var result = await app.AcquireTokenForClient(scopes).ExecuteAsync(); Console.WriteLine(result.AccessToken);

Real-world example (ShopNest)

ShopNest on Azure typically uses App Service + SQL Database + Blob Storage + Application Insights for monitoring.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.