Access token

Access Token

An access token is a unique identifier that allows a user or system to access a particular resource or service. It is often used in the context of authentication and authorization, where a user must prove their identity and credentials before gaining access to certain resources. Access tokens can be used for a variety of purposes, such as accessing an API, logging in to a website, or accessing cloud storage.

Access tokens are typically issued by an authorization server after a user or system has successfully authenticated. The token is then used to grant access to specific resources or services, without the user having to repeatedly provide their login credentials. Access tokens are often short-lived, meaning they expire after a certain amount of time or after a user logs out. This helps to prevent unauthorized access and ensures that access is only granted to those who have been properly authenticated.

To use an access token, the token must be included in the header of each API request made to the server. The server can then validate the token to ensure that the user has been properly authenticated and has the necessary permissions to access the requested resource. If the token is invalid or has expired, the server will reject the request and the user will need to obtain a new token in order to continue accessing the resource. Overall, access tokens are an essential tool for ensuring secure and efficient access to resources and services in modern computing environments.

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