OAuth

OAuth, short for “Open Authorization,” is a widely adopted protocol designed to facilitate secure authorization and delegated access to user resources on various platforms without exposing user credentials. Originating in 2006, OAuth allows applications (clients) to obtain limited access to user accounts on an HTTP service, such as Facebook, GitHub, or Google. Instead of directly handling passwords, OAuth utilizes tokens as a means to grant access to specific user resources for a defined period. This mechanism significantly enhances security by ensuring that third-party applications can interact with user data without compromising personal credentials. OAuth operates through a series of steps involving authorization requests, granting, and token exchange, making it a cornerstone for modern web and mobile application security.