Token-Based Authentication
Token-Based Authentication is a security mechanism that allows users to verify their identity without needing to repeatedly enter their credentials. When a user logs in, the system generates a unique token, which is a string of characters that represents the user's session. This token is then sent to the user's device and can be used for subsequent requests, allowing access to protected resources.
The main advantage of token-based authentication is that it enhances security by reducing the need to store sensitive information like passwords on the client side. Tokens can also have expiration times, making them more secure. Commonly used in web applications, this method is often implemented with technologies like JSON Web Tokens (JWT).