OpenID Connect (OIDC) Explained

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a modern protocol designed to enhance the login process by verifying user identities while maintaining security and convenience. Built on top of OAuth 2.0, OIDC adds an identity verification layer, allowing users to log into apps using existing accounts like Google or Microsoft without creating new passwords. This system works by directing users to their identity provider for authentication, which then issues an ID token confirming their identity back to the app. OIDC supports various login flows, with the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE being the most secure for web and mobile applications. Popular providers such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple integrate OIDC, enabling seamless and secure cross-platform logins. By focusing on both permissions and identity verification, OIDC simplifies user authentication while enhancing security, making it a fundamental component of modern application development.