The Gateway to Secure Authorization #
Introduction #
OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard for token-based authentication and authorization on the Internet. It allows an end user’s account information to be used by third-party services, such as Facebook, without exposing the user’s password.
How OAuth Works #
OAuth works by delegating user authentication to the service that hosts the user account and authorizing third-party applications to access the user account. OAuth wraps up all security details into a single token, allowing the client to share its user resources without sharing all of its data and privileges.
OAuth Flows #
OAuth has several different “flows” for different types of applications:
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Authorization Code Flow: This is the most common flow, typically used by server-side applications.
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Implicit Flow: This is used by applications that are unable to securely store the client secret.
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Password Flow: This is used by trusted applications, such as those owned by the service itself.
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Client Credentials Flow: This is used when the client itself is the resource owner.
Learning Resources #
Here are some suggestions for learning OAuth, which will help you become more proficient in implementing secure authorization:
Books #
- OAuth 2.0 Simplified" by Aaron Parecki - This book provides a light-hearted and straightforward approach to the complexities of OAuth 2.0.
Miscellaneous #
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OAuth: The official website providing documentation, specifications, and articles about OAuth.