How do I access a private github repo from heroku?

Question

I have a private repo that I'm trying to access when deploying to Heroku. However, Heroku doesn't let me clone the private repo, and gives me the following error (as i would expect):

Host key verification failed.
       fatal: The remote end hung up unexpectedly
       Git error: command `git clone
       '[email protected]:pr/lm-models.git'
       "/tmp/build_3r0z0znww0zda/vendor/bundle/ruby/1.9.1/cache/bundler/git/lm-models-aab025aaadbe07202b16e1db7505ae1726f8723a"
       --bare --no-hardlinks` in directory /tmp/build_3r0z0znww0zda has failed.
 !
 !     Failed to install gems via Bundler.
 !
 !     Heroku push rejected, failed to compile Ruby/rails app

I have found this, but do not want to display my username/password in clear text:

Linking heroku app to a private(organization) github repo

Answer 1

This worked for me:

1. Generate a Github Access Token

2. In requirements.txt list private module as follows:

   git+https://your_user_name:[email protected]/your_company/your_module.git
   

Answer 2

Heroku only supports HTTP(S) Basic authentication with Git out of the box. That's unfortunate as it means you'd need to add your credentials as part of the installation URL and commit that as plain text in your list of dependencies. For your app to support SSH keys instead, do the following:

1. Create a new SSH key which will be used by Heroku to access the GitHub repository. Choose a distinct name, e.g. id_rsa_heroku.
2. Add the public part of the key to your GitHub account (link to settings).
3. Use the heroku-buildpack-ssh-key: heroku buildpacks:add https://github.com/heroku/heroku-buildpack-ssh-key.git -i 1
4. Set the private part of the key as an environment variable for your Heroku app: heroku config:set BUILDPACK_SSH_KEY=$(cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa_heroku)

From this moment, Heroku should be able to access and download code from any private repositories you have access to.