How to implement JWT authentication with Vue and Node.js

JSON Web Tokens (JWT) are an open standard that enable the secure transmission of information between parties through a signature, which can be verified using either a secret or a public/private key pair. JWTs are primarily used for authentication or safely transmitting information. When a user logs into an application, a JWT is created on the server and sent back to the client, which then includes this JWT in the Authorization header of subsequent requests to access protected resources. Although JWTs ensure data integrity and authenticity, they do not encrypt the payload, meaning sensitive information should not be included within them. The article explores setting up a Vue.js client app with a Node.js backend for JWT authentication, covering aspects such as generating and verifying JWTs, structuring the folder for the app, and deploying the application to Heroku. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding JWT structure, including the header, payload, and signature, and the potential security risks associated with storing JWTs in local storage.