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Shameel Uddin
Shameel Uddin

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OAuth 2.0 - What is it?

OAuth is not as complicated as it sounds! 😅 Let's break it down in a fun and simple way so even beginners can grasp it.

What is OAuth 2.0? 🤔

OAuth 2.0 is like the VIP pass for your online accounts. It lets you share your Facebook pics, Twitter tweets, or Spotify playlists with other apps without giving away your super-secret password. 🤐

Why is it Necessary? 🤷‍♀️

Imagine you have a cool fitness app 🏋️‍♀️ that wants to post your workout achievements on your Facebook. Without OAuth, you'd have to give your fitness app your Facebook login and password 😱. That's a big NO-NO for security!

OAuth 2.0 solves this problem by acting like a bouncer at the club. It keeps your password safe and only lets in the app you choose, just for the things you want to share. 🤗

Where is OAuth 2.0 Used? 🌐

  1. Social Media Login: You've seen those "Log in with Google" or "Sign in with Facebook" buttons? That's OAuth 2.0 at work. No need to create new accounts everywhere.

  2. API Access: Many apps use OAuth to let you access their data or services, like your favorite weather app fetching data from a weather website.

  3. Mobile Apps: If you use apps on your phone, chances are they're using OAuth behind the scenes to connect to your other accounts.

How Does OAuth 2.0 Work? 🕵️‍♂️

Let's use the example of your fitness app and Facebook:

  1. You open your fitness app and click on "Share on Facebook."

  2. The app says, "Hey, I want to share your workouts on Facebook."

  3. Facebook, like a vigilant gatekeeper 🛡️, asks you, "Are you cool with this fitness app sharing your data?"

  4. You say, "Sure, I trust my fitness app."

  5. Facebook gives the fitness app a special token. This token is like a one-time access card to post on your behalf. It's not your password, and it can't be used to log in.

  6. The fitness app uses this token to post your achievements on Facebook.

Why Is OAuth 2.0 Important? 🌟

  • Security: Your passwords stay locked in a vault. No more sharing them with every app you use. 🔐

  • Convenience: Easier access to your favorite apps. No more remembering a zillion passwords. 🤯

  • Control: You decide what data you want to share and with whom. Your data, your rules! 🙌

So, there you have it! OAuth 2.0 makes your online life simpler, safer, and more connected. Next time you see "Log in with..." or "Authorize this app," you'll know what's going on behind the scenes.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shameeluddin/
Github: https://github.com/Shameel123

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