OpenID Connect vs SAML

Developers should learn and use OpenID Connect when building applications that require secure user authentication and identity verification, such as enterprise SSO systems, consumer-facing apps with social login, or any service needing to integrate with identity providers like Google, Microsoft, or Okta meets developers should learn saml when building or integrating applications that require secure, federated identity management, such as enterprise software, cloud services, or government systems. Here's our take.

OpenID Connect

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use OpenID Connect when building applications that require secure user authentication and identity verification, such as enterprise SSO systems, consumer-facing apps with social login, or any service needing to integrate with identity providers like Google, Microsoft, or Okta

Pros

• It simplifies authentication flows by standardizing token-based identity verification, reducing the need for custom authentication code and enhancing security through built-in features like token validation and user consent management
• Related to: oauth-2.0, json-web-tokens

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

SAML

Developers should learn SAML when building or integrating applications that require secure, federated identity management, such as enterprise software, cloud services, or government systems

Pros

• It is essential for implementing single sign-on (SSO) solutions, reducing password fatigue, and ensuring compliance with security standards like those in healthcare or finance
• Related to: single-sign-on, oauth

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. OpenID Connect is a protocol while SAML is a concept. We picked OpenID Connect based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

OpenID Connect wins

Based on overall popularity. OpenID Connect is more widely used, but SAML excels in its own space.