How to get a Slack OAuth user access token
Blog post from Nango
Implementing Slack user access tokens via OAuth involves a comprehensive understanding of authorization flows, token lifecycle management, and error handling. While bot access tokens cover most use cases, Slack OAuth user access tokens are necessary for accessing private user data, requiring a more complex setup. The process includes constructing authorization URLs, exchanging temporary codes for user tokens, and enabling token rotation for enhanced security. Token rotation limits an access token's lifespan to 12 hours, necessitating regular refreshes to maintain functionality. Common errors include token expiration and scope mismatches, which can be mitigated through proper configuration and understanding of Slack's requirements. Tools like Nango can simplify this complex process by providing pre-built OAuth flows, automatic rotation handling, and concurrency safety to manage Slack user tokens effectively.