JSON Web Token, a compact and self-contained method for securely transmitting information between parties.
Description
JSON Web Token (JWT) is an open standard (RFC 7519) used primarily for securely transmitting information between a client and a server in a compact and self-contained format. JWTs are widely used in the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols to facilitate authentication and authorization processes. A typical JWT consists of three parts: a header, a payload, and a signature. The header typically indicates the type of token and the signing algorithm used. The payload contains the claims, which are the statements about an entity (usually the user) and additional data. The signature is created by combining the encoded header, the payload, and a secret key to ensure that the token has not been altered. This makes JWTs a powerful tool for SSO implementations as they allow different applications to validate a user's identity across multiple platforms without requiring the user to log in multiple times. JWTs are often used in web applications, mobile apps, and APIs, making them a cornerstone of modern authentication solutions.
Examples
- Google uses JWTs in its OAuth 2.0 implementation to manage user sessions and provide access to third-party applications.
- Auth0 utilizes JWTs to streamline authentication processes in applications, allowing developers to easily implement secure user login systems.
Additional Information
- JWTs can be easily transmitted via URL, POST parameters, or HTTP headers, making them versatile for various applications.
- Because JWTs are self-contained, they can help reduce the need for database lookups, improving performance in authentication systems.