1. What Are Access Tokens?

Definition:
An Access Token is like a temporary key that lets users access an app’s resources without logging in repeatedly.

How It Works:

User logs in → Server verifies credentials.
Server issues an Access Token (and a Refresh Token).
Token is sent with every request (e.g., in headers):

Authorization: Bearer <access_token>

Middleware checks token validity before granting access.

Key Traits:

Short-lived (e.g., 15–30 minutes).
Must be kept secure (if stolen, attackers can impersonate the user).

2. What Are Refresh Tokens?

Definition:
A Refresh Token is a long-lived token used to get a new Access Token when the old one expires.

Why It’s Needed:

Avoids forcing users to log in repeatedly.
Balances security (short-lived Access Tokens) + convenience.

How It Works:

Access Token expires → Client sends Refresh Token to server.
Server verifies Refresh Token (often stored in a database).
If valid, issues a new Access Token.
If Refresh Token expires, user must log in again.

Key Traits:

Long-lived (e.g., days to months).

Stored securely (HTTP-only cookie or server-side).

3. Key Differences

Feature	Access Token	Refresh Token
1. User Interface	Authenticate and authorize the user initially.	Users are re-authorized without the need for re-authentication.
2. Transmission and storage	Tokens are sent over a secure server (HTTPS) and then stored on the client server.	Tokens are sent over HTTPS, similar to access tokens, but they are stored on the authorization server.
3. Security considerations	A short lifespan and the ability to revoke access contribute to strong security.	Longer lifespans are balanced by less frequent refreshes and greater revocation capabilities.

4. Step-by-Step Flow Diagram

5. Credits and More to Learn

I have implemented the detailed JWT Authentication and Authorization in my project. You can find the link below:
→ GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Monish0210/Streamify-backend
Special thanks to Hitesh Choudhary Sir for his valuable insights on this topic.
Please consider contributing and starring ⭐ the repository if you find it beneficial.

Feel free to open issues or submit PRs for any improvements.

Conclusion

Access Tokens are short-lived keys that allow users to access app resources without repeatedly logging in, crucial for maintaining security. Refresh Tokens are longer-lived and enable the generation of new Access Tokens once they expire, ensuring a balance between security and user convenience. Key differences include how they are stored, transmitted, and their security implications. For an in-depth implementation, check out the GitHub repository link provided in the article.
I will continue to update the blog as I acquire new knowledge. Thank you, everyone.

Access Tokens and Refresh Tokens: Key Differences Explained

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