OAuth 2.0, OIDC, and SAML

Introduction Modern identity systems rely on standardized protocols to handle authentication and authorization. The three most important protocols youโ€™ll encounter are OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect (OIDC), and SAML. Understanding when to use each is crucial for building secure applications. OAuth 2.0: Authorization Framework OAuth 2.0 OAuth 2.0 is the industry-standard framework for delegated authorization, allowing third-party applications to access user data (e.g., Google Drive, Facebook) without exposing passwords. It works by issuing access tokens to applications via specific flows, such as Authorization Code or Client Credentials, enabling secure, limited access to resources. ...

January 26, 2026

Token Types and Lifecycle

Introduction Modern identity systems rely heavily on tokens to represent identity and authorization. Understanding the different types of tokens, their purposes, and lifecycles is essential for building secure applications. What is a Token? A token is a piece of data that represents something. In identity systems, tokens typically represent: Who you are (identity) What you can access (authorization) For how long (lifetime) Tokens are usually implemented as: JWT (JSON Web Token): Self-contained, can be validated without server calls Opaque tokens: Random strings that require server lookup Structured tokens: Custom formats specific to certain systems The Three Main Token Types 1. Access Token Purpose: Grants access to protected resources (APIs, services) ...

January 26, 2026