Foundations of OpenID Connect: Tokens, Flows, and Claims

Securing modern web applications requires a solid grasp of how identity is verified and shared across the internet. OpenID Connect (OIDC) is the industry-standard identity layer built on top of OAuth 2.0, yet its terminology and mechanics can often feel overwhelming to newcomers. This written course breaks down the complexities of identity federation into clear, digestible explanations. You will transition from confusing jargon to confidently understanding how applications authenticate users, request profile data, and securely handle identity tokens. What you'll learn: Understand foundational identity concepts, including the critical differences between authentication and authorization; Decode the structure of JSON Web Tokens (JWTs), focusing on ID tokens, access tokens, and refresh tokens; Explore core OIDC flows, including the Authorization Code flow with PKCE for modern security; Map the roles of key players, such as Identity Providers, Relying Parties, and End Users; Configure scopes and claims to request and retrieve user profile information securely; Analyze standard OIDC endpoints, including the authorization, token, and UserInfo endpoints. You will begin by learning core definitions and the historical context of identity protocols. From there, you will progress through token anatomy, standard communication flows, and modern security best practices. This text-based course is designed for beginner developers, system architects, and IT professionals who want to understand modern authentication without needing prior experience in identity management. Start reading today to build a strong, practical foundation in modern identity and access management.