"BuT, aUtH iS HaRd"

The text reflects on the evolution of authentication (auth) processes, emphasizing that while building basic auth systems isn't inherently difficult, the complexity arises from the additional features and maintenance required, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), user management, and integration with various OAuth providers. The author argues against the narrative that auth is an intractable problem, suggesting that while creating a basic auth system is feasible and educational, it becomes cumbersome at scale due to the need for ongoing updates and security measures. Therefore, leveraging established solutions or third-party services is often more practical for larger projects, as auth is considered a solved problem and can be treated as a commodity. The author encourages understanding the fundamentals of auth to avoid perpetuating the myth of its difficulty and to foster a more informed approach to development.