There are many different ways to implement authentication, but the most common approach is to use a username and password. However, this method has been outdated for some time and can be complex to implement. A more modern approach is to use single sign-on (SSO) solutions, which allow users to log in to multiple applications using a single set of credentials. Authentication services can help save time and money by implementing and maintaining authentication systems, improve security by using best practices and the latest security technologies, reduce the risk of compliance violations by providing features such as two-factor authentication and user provisioning. When choosing an authentication service, factors to consider include features, pricing, ease of use, hosting options, and integration support. For developers who just want authentication to work without implementing it themselves, using an authentication service or a framework/library that provides authentication functionality can be a good option. Ultimately, the focus should shift from authentication to other aspects of building an application, such as picking software components like frameworks, databases, and hosting providers.