What are the differences between token and session authentication?

What are the differences between token and session authentication?

Token authentication involves issuing a token to the user after they log in, which they then use for subsequent requests. Session authentication, on the other hand, relies on maintaining a session on the server side, where the user's state is stored.

Which one is more secure?

Token authentication can be more secure in certain scenarios, especially with stateless APIs, as it reduces the risk of session hijacking. However, session authentication can be more secure if implemented correctly, as it allows for better control over user sessions.

Are there any performance differences?

Yes, token authentication can improve performance in distributed systems since it doesn't require server-side session storage. However, session authentication may be faster for single-server applications due to less overhead.

When should I use one over the other?

Use token authentication for mobile apps and microservices, while session authentication is suitable for traditional web applications with server-side rendering.