Promptles
Backend & APIs

Authentication vs Authorization

intermediate

Definition

Authentication answers 'who are you?': proving your identity, usually by logging in. Authorization answers 'what are you allowed to do?': checking whether your account has permission to take a certain action. Both have to pass before sensitive things happen.

In the wild

Logging into your work email with a password is authentication. Once you're in, the system checks whether you're allowed to read your boss's calendar: that's authorization. Knowing who you are and knowing what you can see are two separate questions.

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