OAuth 2.0
OAuth 2.0 is an authorization framework that enables third-party applications to obtain limited access to user accounts on HTTP services, such as social media platforms or cloud APIs, without exposing user credentials. It works by delegating user authentication to the service hosting the user account and authorizing third-party applications to access the user's resources. This protocol is widely used for secure API access and single sign-on (SSO) implementations.
Developers should learn OAuth 2.0 when building applications that need to access user data from external services like Google, Facebook, or GitHub, as it provides a standardized and secure way to handle authorization without storing passwords. It is essential for implementing features such as social login, API integrations, and delegated access in web, mobile, and desktop apps, ensuring compliance with security best practices and reducing the risk of credential exposure.