Description: OAuth 2.0 is the second version of the OAuth protocol, designed to provide a more secure and flexible authorization framework. This protocol allows third-party applications to access protected resources on behalf of a user without needing to share their credentials. Through a token system, OAuth 2.0 facilitates permission delegation, meaning users can grant access to their data to external applications without compromising their personal information. This approach not only enhances security but also simplifies the user experience by avoiding the need for multiple logins. OAuth 2.0 is based on open standards and is widely adopted in the industry, making it a reliable solution for authentication and authorization in web and mobile environments.
History: OAuth 2.0 was developed by the IETF OAuth working group and published as a standard in October 2012. Its predecessor, OAuth 1.0, was released in 2007 but had complexities that made implementation difficult. With OAuth 2.0, the goal was to simplify the process and improve interoperability between different platforms and services. Since its release, it has evolved and become the de facto standard for authorization in web and mobile applications.
Uses: OAuth 2.0 is primarily used to allow third-party applications to access user data on platforms and services without requiring users to share their passwords. It is also employed in API services where authorization is needed to access protected resources. Additionally, it is common in mobile applications that need to interact with various back-end services.
Examples: A practical example of OAuth 2.0 is the sign-in feature in third-party applications, where users can access the app using their existing social media or email account without having to create a new password. Another case is accessing APIs, where applications can perform actions on behalf of the user after obtaining their authorization.
