Sub-tokens: let a token mint narrower tokens that are revoked with it

[sushruth]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Product Feedback

💬 Feature/Topic Area

API

Body

Creating fine-grained tokens through the API was asked for in #36441 and declined (by design, will not be implemented). I read through that thread and searched Discussions, and found nothing like this narrower version: a token can mint a sub-token with the same or less access (permissions, repos, expiry). Sub-tokens are revoked when the parent is revoked or expires, minting is rate-limited, each one is listed under its parent in settings, and org admins can turn the feature off.

This would make least privilege the easy path for any tool that only needs part of what the user's token can do, without setting up a GitHub App. A leaked sub-token could be revoked without rotating its parent, and a leaked parent gains nothing it didn't already have. For example, I needed a small internal page to read one folder of a private repo, and the only practical option was pasting a token that can write to every repo I can reach.

[github-actions[bot]]

💬 Your Product Feedback Has Been Submitted 🎉

Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us! Your feedback is invaluable as we build a better GitHub experience for all our users.

Here's what you can expect moving forward ⏩

• Your input will be carefully reviewed and cataloged by members of our product teams. 
  • Due to the high volume of submissions, we may not always be able to provide individual responses.
  • Rest assured, your feedback will help chart our course for product improvements.
• Other users may engage with your post, sharing their own perspectives or experiences. 
• GitHub staff may reach out for further clarification or insight. 
  • We may 'Answer' your discussion if there is a current solution, workaround, or roadmap/changelog post related to the feedback.

Where to look to see what's shipping 👀

• Read the Changelog for real-time updates on the latest GitHub features, enhancements, and calls for feedback.
• Explore our Product Roadmap, which details upcoming major releases and initiatives.

What you can do in the meantime 💻

• Upvote and comment on other user feedback Discussions that resonate with you.
• Add more information at any point! Useful details include: use cases, relevant labels, desired outcomes, and any accompanying screenshots.

As a member of the GitHub community, your participation is essential. While we can't promise that every suggestion will be implemented, we want to emphasize that your feedback is instrumental in guiding our decisions and priorities.

Thank you once again for your contribution to making GitHub even better! We're grateful for your ongoing support and collaboration in shaping the future of our platform. ⭐