getting System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null. (Parameter 'key') error

[CMYaron]

when running the sample, after adding the key to codspace i am getting this error when i run dont run:
/workspaces/Generative-AI-for-test/02-SetupDevEnvironment/src/BasicChat-01MEAI/Program.cs(11,35): warning CS8604: Possible null reference argument for parameter 'key' in 'ApiKeyCredential.ApiKeyCredential(string key)'.
Unhandled exception. System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null. (Parameter 'key')
at System.ClientModel.Internal.Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(String value, String name)
at System.ClientModel.ApiKeyCredential.Update(String key)
at System.ClientModel.ApiKeyCredential..ctor(String key)
at Program.

$(String[] args) in /workspaces/Generative-AI-for-test/02-SetupDevEnvironment/src/BasicChat-01MEAI/Program.cs:line 11

i have the right key in the Codespaces secrets

[github-actions]

👋 Thanks for contributing @CMYaron! We will review the issue and get back to you soon.

[elbruno]

Hi @CMYaron

I reproduced your error by setting an empty string for the Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("GITHUB_TOKEN") value. Therefore there should be an error with your token.

2 options:

1. Please check the creation of your GH token (https://github.com/microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet/tree/main/02-SetupDevEnvironment#creating-a-personal-access-token-for-github-model-access)
2. Check this code sample, where you can uncomment and show the value of the token before using it, so you can see if the key is correct (https://gist.github.com/elbruno/8593452caa9dabf45aad8bf6d1db3281)

Best!

[CMYaron]

I am taking the value from codespace secrets Its according to details in the example When putting the key hardcode its working but this is not the case … Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

…

________________________________ From: El Bruno ***@***.***> Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 5:04:08 PM To: microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet ***@***.***> Cc: Yaron Hakon ***@***.***>; Mention ***@***.***> Subject: Re: [microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet] getting System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null. (Parameter 'key') error (Issue #119) Hi @CMYaron<https://github.com/CMYaron> I reproduced your error by setting an empty string for the Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("GITHUB_TOKEN") value. Therefore there should be an error with your token. image.png (view on web)<https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/269a9535-b8f2-48b1-a6c0-78f60f63d1e7> 2 options: 1. Please check the creation of your GH token (https://github.com/microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet/tree/main/02-SetupDevEnvironment#creating-a-personal-access-token-for-github-model-access) 2. Check this code sample, where you can uncomment and show the value of the token before using it, so you can see if the key is correct (https://gist.github.com/elbruno/8593452caa9dabf45aad8bf6d1db3281) Best! — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub<#119 (comment)>, or unsubscribe<https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BBCENXGGO6RFZWMBGQ7OWC32XU5VRAVCNFSM6AAAAAB2J6VYUCVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDONZVHEYDKMZQGY>. You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***> [elbruno]elbruno left a comment (microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet#119)<#119 (comment)> Hi @CMYaron<https://github.com/CMYaron> I reproduced your error by setting an empty string for the Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("GITHUB_TOKEN") value. Therefore there should be an error with your token. image.png (view on web)<https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/269a9535-b8f2-48b1-a6c0-78f60f63d1e7> 2 options: 1. Please check the creation of your GH token (https://github.com/microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet/tree/main/02-SetupDevEnvironment#creating-a-personal-access-token-for-github-model-access) 2. Check this code sample, where you can uncomment and show the value of the token before using it, so you can see if the key is correct (https://gist.github.com/elbruno/8593452caa9dabf45aad8bf6d1db3281) Best! — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub<#119 (comment)>, or unsubscribe<https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BBCENXGGO6RFZWMBGQ7OWC32XU5VRAVCNFSM6AAAAAB2J6VYUCVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDONZVHEYDKMZQGY>. You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[elbruno]

I am taking the value from codespace secrets
Its according to details in the example
When putting the key hardcode its working but this is not the case …

Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
…

Can you check this line ?

Console.WriteLine($"GITHUB_TOKEN: {Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("GITHUB_TOKEN")}");

And check, maybe you need to manually store the GitHub_Token. Examples below:

If you're using bash:

export GITHUB_TOKEN="<your-github-token-goes-here>"

If you're in powershell:

$Env:GITHUB_TOKEN="<your-github-token-goes-here>"

If you're using Windows command prompt:

set GITHUB_TOKEN=<your-github-token-goes-here>

Please, try to run this and later the sample code.
Thanks!