OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization protocol that allows third-party applications to access user resources without sharing their credentials. It provides a secure way for applications to access user data from other services while maintaining user privacy and security.
What is OAuth?
OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization protocol that allows third-party applications to access user resources without sharing their credentials. It provides a secure way for applications to access user data from other services while maintaining user privacy and security.
What OAuth Does
OAuth enables secure, delegated access to user resources. Instead of sharing passwords, OAuth allows applications to access specific resources with limited permissions for a defined period. This creates a more secure and user-friendly authentication experience.
How OAuth Works
The OAuth flow typically involves:
1. Authorization Request: User is redirected to the service provider
2. User Consent: User grants permission to the requesting application
3. Authorization Code: Service provider returns a temporary code
4. Token Exchange: Application exchanges the code for an access token
5. Resource Access: Application uses the token to access user resources
Common Uses
OAuth is used in many scenarios:
Why It Matters
OAuth is crucial because it:
OAuth Versions
OAuth has become the standard for secure authorization on the web, enabling the modern ecosystem of interconnected applications and services.