OAuth 2.0 Onboarding Guide

The authorization server waits for your request. You send the client credentials. The OAuth 2.0 onboarding process has begun.

OAuth 2.0 is the industry standard for secure authorization in web and mobile applications. The onboarding process ensures that your app, users, and APIs trust each other, while keeping sensitive data safe. Mastering this sequence is the foundation for building secure integrations with services like Google APIs, Microsoft Graph, Stripe, and more.

Step 1: Register the Client Application
Log into the authorization server’s developer dashboard. Create a new app entry. Provide the app name, description, and the redirect URI. The redirect URI must match exactly, including the scheme (https vs http). This URI is where the authorization server returns the tokens after user consent.

Step 2: Obtain Client Credentials
Once registered, the server issues a client_id and client_secret. Store the secret securely. Never commit it to source control. These values identify and authenticate your app during the OAuth 2.0 flow.

Step 3: Choose the Grant Type
Identify the correct OAuth 2.0 grant type for your use case:

• Authorization Code Grant: Ideal for server-side web apps. Secure because the secret is stored on the server.
• PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange): Recommended for native and SPA apps. Prevents interception of authorization codes.
• Client Credentials Grant: Used for machine-to-machine communication with no user interaction.

Step 4: Redirect Users for Authorization
Build the authorization URL. Include the client_id, requested scopes, redirect URI, and state parameter. The state value protects against CSRF attacks. Send the user to this URL. The user logs in and approves access.

Step 5: Handle the Authorization Response
After consent, the authorization server redirects back to your configured URI. The query parameters will include either an authorization code or an error. Verify the state matches before proceeding. If valid, exchange the code for tokens.

Step 6: Exchange Code for Tokens
Use a secure HTTPS request to the server’s token endpoint. Send the client_id, client_secret (unless using PKCE), the grant type, and the authorization code. The server responds with an access token, optionally a refresh token, and token expiration details.

Step 7: Store and Use Tokens Securely
Keep tokens in encrypted storage. Send the access token in the Authorization header when calling the resource server API. The refresh token extends the session without requiring the user to log in again.

Step 8: Test the Integration
Call a protected API endpoint with the token and confirm the server responds with data you requested. Log all issues during this test for quick debugging.

Following these steps ensures a smooth OAuth 2.0 onboarding process, compliant with best practices and ready for production deployment. Pair it with continuous monitoring, token rotation strategies, and strict scope management to protect your integration at scale.

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