Passwords remain the predominant method of authentication on most websites despite known security issues and the availability of superior alternatives. This text provides a detailed guide on building password-based authentication in a Next.js application, emphasizing the importance of using expert-built libraries and services for security. It outlines the essential components for password authentication, including frontend and backend setups, password hashing and salting using bcrypt, and database storage with Supabase. The process involves creating a Next.js application, setting up a database with Supabase, and implementing password hashing and salting to secure user passwords. It also discusses the additional security measures necessary for a production environment, such as using Row Level Security, handling password resets, and verifying email addresses. The text finally suggests using the Clerk service for a more straightforward implementation of password authentication, highlighting its ease of setup and robust security features compared to building a solution from scratch.