Mastering Authentication Flow

A Comprehensive Guide with OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0

Thenusan Santhirakumar
5 min readFeb 17, 2024

In the digital landscape, where security is paramount, understanding the authentication flow is crucial for developers, security professionals, and anyone involved in building or using applications. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, ensuring that the right individuals or entities gain access to resources, services, or data. In this article, we will delve into the authentication flow, its components, and its significance in securing modern applications, with a specific focus on OpenID Connect (OIDC) and OAuth 2.0 protocols.

Photo by FlyD on Unsplash

Introduction to Authentication Flow

The authentication flow encompasses a series of steps that validate a user’s identity before granting access to a system or application. It typically involves the exchange of credentials, such as usernames and passwords, tokens, or biometric data, between the user and the authentication system. The primary goal is to establish trust and verify that the user is who they claim to be.

Components of Authentication Flow

1. User Identification: The process begins with the user providing identification information, such as a username or email address, to initiate the…

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Thenusan Santhirakumar

MSc in IT @Deakin University | Ex- Full-Stack Engineer @WSO2 | Computer Science and Engineering Graduate @University of Moratuwa