JSON Web Token (JWT) Explained
JSON Web Token (JWT) is a compact, URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between two parties. The claims in a JWT are encoded as a JSON object that is used as the payload of a JSON Web Signature (JWS) structure or as the plaintext of a JSON Web Encryption (JWE) structure, enabling the claims to be digitally signed or integrity protected with a Message Authentication Code (MAC) and/or encrypted. How JWT Works: Step-by-Step 1. User Authentication User Login : The user sends a login request to the server with their credentials (e.g., username and password). POST /api/login Content-Type: application/json { "username": "user", "password": "password" } Server Verification : The server verifies the user's credentials. If they are valid, the server generates a JWT. 2. Token Generation JWT Creation : The server creates a JWT. A JWT typically consists of three parts: Header, Payload, and Signature. Header : { "alg" : ...