OAuth 2.0

OAuth 2.0 is an open standard for authorization that enables applications to obtain limited access to user accounts on an HTTP service, such as Facebook, Google, or Microsoft. It provides a secure way for a user to grant access to their data or resources, without having to share their login credentials.

 

OAuth 2.0 provides several "grant types" that determine how an application can obtain an access token. The most common grant types are:

 

• Authorization Code Grant: This is the most common OAuth 2.0 grant type. It is used by web applications to obtain an access token from the authorization server. The user is first redirected to the authorization server to log in and grant access to the application. The authorization server then returns an authorization code to the application, which can be exchanged for an access token.

 

• Implicit Grant: This grant type is used by single-page web applications and native mobile applications. The application sends the user to the authorization server to log in and grant access. The authorization server returns an access token directly to the application, without the need for an authorization code.

 

• Resource Owner Password Credentials Grant: This grant type is used by trusted applications, such as those owned by the same organization as the user. The application asks the user for their username and password, which it uses to obtain an access token directly from the authorization server.

 

• Client Credentials Grant: This grant type is used by applications to obtain an access token for their own account, without the need for user authorization.

 

By using OAuth 2.0, applications can obtain limited access to user data or resources, without having to store or manage the user's login credentials. This helps to improve security and privacy, and makes it easier for users to grant access to their data or resources.