JWT Token Generation & Validation
Understand JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and implement their generation and validation for secure API access.
Intro to JWT: What & Why
Welcome! In this lesson, we'll dive into JSON Web Tokens (JWTs), a popular way to secure APIs.
A JWT is a compact, URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between two parties. Think of it as a digital ID card for your API.
Why Use JWTs for APIs?
JWTs offer several advantages for modern web and mobile APIs:
- Statelessness: The server doesn't need to store session information. Each request carries the user's authentication details.
- Scalability: Easier to scale applications horizontally as there's no shared session state across servers.
- Security: If implemented correctly, JWTs provide a secure way to verify user identity and prevent tampering.