Node.js Authentication with JWT

Implementing Authentication

Node.js authentication with JWT secures API endpoints.

Introduction to JWT and Authentication

JSON Web Tokens (JWT) are a popular method for handling authentication in modern web applications. They provide a compact and self-contained way to securely transmit information between parties as a JSON object. This token is used to authenticate users and protect API endpoints in a Node.js application.

Setting Up a Node.js Project

Before we dive into implementing JWT authentication, ensure you have Node.js installed on your system. Start by creating a new Node.js project:

Creating a Simple Express Server

We will use Express.js to handle HTTP requests. Set up a basic server to get started:

Generating a JWT

To generate a JWT, we will create an authentication route. This route will validate user credentials and return a JWT if the credentials are valid. For demonstration purposes, we'll use hardcoded user credentials.

Securing API Endpoints with JWT

After generating a JWT, you need to secure your API endpoints by validating the token. We'll create a middleware function to handle this process:

Conclusion

By implementing JWT authentication in your Node.js application, you can securely protect API endpoints and ensure that only authorized users have access to certain routes. This setup can be further extended to include more complex user validation and token management strategies.

Node.js Authentication