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OAuth vs. JWT: Differences & Using Them Together

 

OAuth vs JWT: Authentication and Authorization Explained

What are OAuth and JWT?

OAuth and JWT are both technologies used in web authentication and authorization, but they serve different purposes and work in different ways. Let's break them down for beginners.

OAuth (Open Authorization)

OAuth is an authorization framework that allows third-party applications to access user data without exposing passwords. Think of it like a special access pass.

Real-World Analogy

Imagine you want to let a delivery service access your apartment building. Instead of giving them your personal key (password), you give them a temporary, limited-access pass that only works for specific purposes.

Key Characteristics:

  • Allows secure authorization without sharing login credentials
  • Enables third-party apps to access user data
  • Supports delegated access with specific permissions
  • Commonly used by services like "Login with Google" or "Login with Facebook"

Example Scenario

When you use "Sign in with Google" on a website:

  1. The website redirects you to Google
  2. Google asks if you want to share specific information
  3. You approve
  4. Google provides a token to the website
  5. The website can now access only the approved information

JWT (JSON Web Tokens)

JWT is a compact, self-contained way of securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object. It's like a secure, tamper-proof ID card.

Real-World Analogy

Imagine an ID card that:

  • Contains your basic information
  • Is digitally signed to prevent tampering
  • Can be quickly verified by any authorized person

Key Characteristics:

  • Compact and self-contained
  • Can be verified and trusted
  • Contains encoded information about the user
  • Typically used for authentication and information exchange

Example Structure

A JWT consists of three parts:

  1. Header: Token type and hashing algorithm
  2. Payload: Claims (user information)
  3. Signature: Ensures the token hasn't been altered

Key Differences

AspectOAuthJWT
Primary PurposeAuthorization frameworkSecure information transmission
AccessGrants limited access to resourcesCarries encoded user information
ComplexityMore complexSimpler
Use CaseThird-party accessAuthentication, information exchange

When to Use Each

Use OAuth When:

  • You need third-party access to user resources
  • Want to provide granular permissions
  • Integrating with social login platforms

Use JWT When:

  • Need stateless authentication
  • Want to transmit user claims securely
  • Building microservices or single sign-on (SSO) systems

Security Considerations

  • OAuth provides authorization
  • JWT provides authentication and secure information transmission
  • Both require proper implementation to ensure security

Practical Tip for Beginners

Start with understanding the basic concepts:

  • OAuth is about "Can this app do something?"
  • JWT is about "Who is this user, and what can they do?"

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