JSON Web Token (JWT)

JWT is a data format used for secure communication.

• JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): JSON is a type of data format used for data exchange. In this format, data is represented in the form of objects, and it is easy for humans to read and write.

• Web Token: A “token” is a piece of information that represents a specific identity or authorization. Web tokens serve a similar purpose. JWT, on the other hand, is the organized form of these web tokens in JSON format.

Therefore, the complete explanation of JWT is as follows:

JWT (JSON Web Token) is a data piece in JSON format used to authenticate a user or carry user-specific information.

Let’s consider one of the use cases: A user wants to log in to a website. The username and password are sent to the server, and the server verifies this information. If the verification is successful, the server creates a JWT and sends it back to the user. The user stores this JWT in their browser. In each subsequent request, the user sends this JWT to the server. The server checks the received JWT and verifies the identity of the user. This way, user authentication is achieved without sending the username and password every time.

This use of JWT enables users to authenticate more securely and efficiently.

As another example, 📦 imagine you possess a 🔒 magical box capable of storing secret messages. The only means to unveil this box and read the message within is by using a 🔑 special key.

Now, suppose you wish to send a confidential message to your friend, ensuring that no one else can read it. You place your message inside the 📦 magic box and lock it securely with your 🔑 special key. Afterwards, you pass the locked box to your friend.

Upon receiving the box, your friend can utilize the 🔑 special key to unlock it and access the hidden message. They know that only you possess the special key, guaranteeing that the message came from you and has not been tampered with.

Similarly, when we seek to transmit information securely over the internet, we can use something called JSON Web Tokens (JWT). A JWT serves as a digital version of the 📦 magic box and the 🔑 special key.

We can insert information, like a username or other data, into the JWT and lock it with a secret 🔑 key. Then, we can transmit this locked JWT over the internet to another person or computer. Upon receiving the JWT, the recipient can employ the secret 🔑 key to unlock it and access the enclosed information.

The beauty of JWTs lies in their safety and security. Just as only you can unlock the magic box with your special 🔑 key, only the person possessing the secret 🔑 key can unlock the JWT and view the information. This ensures the safety of our data when transmitted over the internet! 🌐🔒😄