JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact, URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between parties. In Angular applications, JWTs are used for authentication purposes by encoding user information in a secure manner.
When a user logs in, the server validates their credentials and generates a JWT containing the user’s data (e.g., ID, role). The token is then signed using a secret key and sent back to the client. Angular stores this token, typically in local storage or an HttpOnly cookie, and attaches it as an Authorization header with each subsequent request to protected API endpoints.
The server verifies the token signature upon receiving requests, ensuring its integrity and authenticity. If valid, the server processes the request and sends the appropriate response. Expired or invalid tokens result in access denial, prompting re-authentication.
Using JWTs in Angular simplifies authentication management, reduces server load through stateless sessions, and enhances security via token encryption and expiration mechanisms.
