JWT Authentication API
Check it outA secure, scalable JWT-based authentication API built with Node.js and TypeScript to explore backend development and authentication concepts.
Backend Developer
Personal Project
Overview
This project is a full-fledged JWT-based authentication API developed using Node.js, Express, and TypeScript. Designed to solidify my understanding of backend development, authentication mechanisms, and JWT, it offers a secure and scalable solution for user management. The API includes features like user registration with email activation, token-based authentication, password reset workflows, and protected routes, all backed by MongoDB for data persistence.
Features
- User Registration with Email Activation: Sign up with email verification via Nodemailer.
- Login and Logout: Secure user authentication with JWT access and refresh tokens.
- JWT Token Mechanism: Implements access and refresh tokens for seamless session management.
- Password Reset via Email: Forgot password functionality with emailed reset links.
- User Info and Profile Update: Fetch and update user details securely.
- Secure Routes: Middleware ensures protected access to authenticated endpoints.
Technology Used
- Node.js: Runtime environment for executing server-side JavaScript.
- Express.js: Web framework for building RESTful APIs.
- TypeScript: Adds static typing for cleaner, more maintainable code.
- JWT: JSON Web Tokens for secure authentication and authorization.
- MongoDB: NoSQL database for storing user data.
- Mongoose: ODM library for MongoDB schema management.
- Nodemailer: Email service integration for activation and password resets.
- Cloudinary: Media management for potential profile image uploads.
Routes Overview
Challenges Faced
Navigated complexities like implementing secure JWT refresh token logic, handling email delivery delays with Nodemailer, and ensuring TypeScript type safety across the codebase.
What I Learned
Gained expertise in backend API design, JWT authentication flows, TypeScript for scalable development, and integrating third-party services like Nodemailer and Cloudinary with MongoDB.
Future Improvements
Plans include adding two-factor authentication (2FA), rate limiting for security, and integrating OAuth for social logins.
And more, including clean code practices and RESTful architecture.