OAuth 2 vs OpenID Connect

Developers should learn OAuth 2 when building applications that need to integrate with external services, such as allowing users to log in via Google or Facebook, or accessing APIs from providers like GitHub or Dropbox meets developers should learn and use openid connect when implementing user authentication and identity management in applications that require secure, standards-based identity verification, such as enterprise sso systems, social login features, or any scenario where users need to authenticate across multiple services. Here's our take.

OAuth 2

Nice Pick

Developers should learn OAuth 2 when building applications that need to integrate with external services, such as allowing users to log in via Google or Facebook, or accessing APIs from providers like GitHub or Dropbox

Pros

• It is essential for implementing secure delegated access in web, mobile, and desktop apps, reducing the risk of credential exposure and simplifying user authentication across platforms
• Related to: openid-connect, jwt

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

OpenID Connect

Developers should learn and use OpenID Connect when implementing user authentication and identity management in applications that require secure, standards-based identity verification, such as enterprise SSO systems, social login features, or any scenario where users need to authenticate across multiple services

Pros

• It is particularly valuable for applications that need to integrate with identity providers like Google, Microsoft, or custom authentication servers, as it simplifies the process of handling user identities while maintaining security and compliance with modern authentication standards
• Related to: oauth-2.0, json-web-tokens

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use OAuth 2 if: You want it is essential for implementing secure delegated access in web, mobile, and desktop apps, reducing the risk of credential exposure and simplifying user authentication across platforms and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use OpenID Connect if: You prioritize it is particularly valuable for applications that need to integrate with identity providers like google, microsoft, or custom authentication servers, as it simplifies the process of handling user identities while maintaining security and compliance with modern authentication standards over what OAuth 2 offers.

The Bottom Line

OAuth 2 wins

Developers should learn OAuth 2 when building applications that need to integrate with external services, such as allowing users to log in via Google or Facebook, or accessing APIs from providers like GitHub or Dropbox