Azure DevOps YAML pipeline to backup variable groups to a Git repo

Easily backup your Azure DevOps variable groups to a Git repo on a scheduled basis using this YAML pipeline. Use the commit history to see what changed, when, and by whom.

• Each variable group, including all metadata and variables, saved as a seprate JSON file
• The Modified by user for each variable group is associated with the commit by the backup process
• The default schedule is set to run every 15 minutes Mon-Fri between 9am and 5pm (UTC-05:00)

Setup

1. Create a new Git repo in your Azure DevOps project
2. Grant the Project Collection Build Service Contribute permission to the Git repo¹

Note: Secret is to copy the user UUID from the error message and paste it into the 'Search' box - it reveals a user that is not shown on the page by default. Then just add Contribute permissions. stackoverflow.com/a/55995046/923410

3. Commit the azure-pipelines.yml to the repo
4. Create a new pipeline using the azure-pipelines.yml file
5. Adjust the pipeline schedule as desired ²

¹ https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/pipelines/scripts/git-commands?view=azure-devops&tabs=yaml#grant-version-control-permissions-to-the-build-service

² https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/pipelines/process/scheduled-triggers?view=azure-devops&tabs=yaml

More

For additional details, please refer to my blog post: https://www.blendmastersoftware.com/blog/azure-devops-variable-groups-backup