LOOK UP WHEN NEEDED
Access token
A credential granting a scope of access.
An everyday example
A ticket granting access for a limited period.
See how these concepts connect
- Present identityAuthentication
- Check access scopeAuthorization
- Enter permitted areaProtected resource
- Record key actionsAudit log
Credentials can have scopes and expiry. The card is not unlimited authority. Enforce access rules on the server.
Where this term is useful
These are related contexts, not prerequisites.
Back in the project
When it comes up: When signing in, sharing data, and configuring secrets.
What to do next: Protect credentials and test both allowed and denied access; keep secrets out of public code.
Open the related method and stepsWhat can this analogy leave out?
Authentication differs from authorization; hidden buttons are not access control, and signing is not encryption.
Everyday examples explain roles and relationships; actual behavior follows the tool, language, or platform.