OpenID Connect
OpenID Connect is an identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 protocol that enables clients to verify the identity of end-users based on authentication performed by an authorization server. It provides a standardized way for applications to obtain basic profile information about users in a secure and interoperable manner, using JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) to convey identity claims. This protocol is widely used for single sign-on (SSO) and federated identity scenarios across web and mobile applications.
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. 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.