What’s the best way to handle authentication in a full-stack app?

[krishd3v]

Authentication is a core security requirement. Options include JWT, OAuth2, and session-based methods. Each approach has trade-offs in scalability and complexity. Front-end and back-end must coordinate securely. This question sparks discussion on balancing security with usability.

[jaikrishna-j]

Authentication should balance security, scalability, and user experience.

JWT (JSON Web Tokens) are widely used for stateless authentication in APIs, ideal for distributed systems.

Session-based authentication works well when using server-rendered apps, storing session IDs securely.

OAuth2 and OpenID Connect are best for third-party logins (Google, GitHub, etc.).

Always hash and salt passwords using libraries like bcrypt before storing them.

Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions across different user types.

[SalmanZulfiqarShaikh]

The best way to handle full-stack authentication involves a combination of token-based authentication using JSON Web Tokens (JWT) or session-based authentication with server-side sessions, and securing the process with practices like password hashing, secure token storage, and route guards. For a stateless approach, use JWTs: the backend issues a token after login, which the frontend stores and sends with subsequent requests, while the backend validates it. For more traditional applications, use server-side sessions where the server stores session state and uses cookies to identify users, often with help from libraries like Passport.js

[Dilusha-Ranasingha]

Best way to handle authentication in a full-stack app

Use a setup where:

1. Frontend:

   • Stores only a short-lived access token in memory (not localStorage).
   • Sends it with requests (usually via Authorization header).

2. Backend:

   • Issues JWT access tokens (short-lived) and httpOnly refresh cookies (secure, cannot be accessed by JS).
   • Verifies tokens on each request.
   • Refreshes tokens when they expire.

3. Database:

   • Stores user accounts + hashed passwords (e.g., bcrypt or Argon2).

Why this is best

• Secure (refresh token in httpOnly cookies prevents XSS token theft).
• Smooth user experience (auto refresh).
• Works well with modern frontends (React, Vue, etc.).