API Authentication

There are many types of API authentication, each with their own benefits and tradeoffs.
A few of the main ones are:

HTTP
API Key
JWT
OAuth

Types of API Authentication

1. HTTP Authentication

The most basic type of authentication. It involves sending the username and password as a pair in the Authorization header.
The credentials are encoded using Base64, but not hashed or encrypted, making it less secure unless used over HTTPS.

![HTTP Authentication Example](/img/user/💡 Resources/📁 Files/HTTP Auth.png)

2. API Key Authentication

A unique identifier that an API provider gives to its users to control access and monitor usage.
The API key must be sent with every request — either as a request header or cookie.
It must be used with HTTPS to ensure a secure connection.

![API Key Example](/img/user/💡 Resources/📁 Files/API Key Auth.png)

3. JWT (JSON Web Token)

A stateless mechanism for API authentication.

When a user logs into an application, the API server generates a JWT and sends it to the client.
The client sends this JWT back in subsequent requests.
The server validates the JWT to authenticate the request.

![JWT Example](/img/user/💡 Resources/📁 Files/JWT Auth.png)

4. OAuth Authentication

OAuth is a token-based authentication method where users grant third-party applications access to their accounts without sharing login credentials.

API Authentication vs. API Authorization

Authentication: Verifying a user's identity.
Authorization: Verifying a user's permissions to access specific tasks or resources within the API.

Best Practices

Use a well-established API authentication framework.
Choose the method that best suits your use case.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
Always use HTTPS for secure communication.
Enable logging and monitoring to track API usage and detect anomalies.