What is OpenID Connect?
What is OpenID Connect?
Ever feel like you're constantly logging in to different websites with usernames, passwords, and those CAPTCHAs?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) aims to simplify this online login struggle, making your life easier and the web more secure.
check out our other blogs: API Testing, Continuous API Testing, API Performance Metrics
What is OpenID Connect?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 framework. It allows third-party applications to verify the identity of the end-user and to obtain basic user profile information. In this context, a user refers to a person who is using a registered client (such as a web or mobile application) to access protected resources. Whether you're logging in to Spotify with your Google account or signing into Slack through your workplace credentials, OIDC streamlines the process of confirming who you are, while also enabling applications to securely access limited information about you—only with your permission. OIDC uses JSON web tokens (JWTs), which you can obtain using flows conforming to the OAuth 2.0 specifications.
An important component in this ecosystem is the OpenID Provider (OP), sometimes referred to as an Identity Provider (IDP) or authorization server. The OP is the entity that implements the OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 protocols, making it responsible for authenticating users and issuing security tokens. Well-known examples of OPs include Google, Microsoft, and Okta, which allow users to log in to various applications using a single set of credentials.
By leveraging an OP, applications can delegate the heavy lifting of authentication, streamlining the user experience and enhancing security—without having to manage passwords directly.
OAuth 2.0 itself is a framework, specified by the IETF in RFCs 6749 and 6750 (published in 2012), designed to support the development of authentication and authorization protocols. It provides a variety of standardized message flows based on JSON and HTTP, enabling secure delegated access for web, desktop, and mobile applications. OpenID Connect builds on these flows to provide modern identity services, making it a widely adopted solution for single sign-on and user authentication across platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Example:
Imagine you're at a party, and you need to prove your identity to get in. OpenID Connect is like your trusty ID card in the digital world. It's a technology that allows you to prove who you are to websites and apps without sharing sensitive information like your password.
But that's not all—OpenID Connect is also designed with your privacy in mind. When you use it to sign in somewhere (say, Medium or Spotify), you don’t just hand over all your personal details. Instead, OpenID Connect identifies a specific set of personal attributes—like your name or email—that can be swapped between the service you're using and the identity provider (think Google or Facebook). And, crucially, you get to approve (or deny) exactly what information gets shared. Before anything leaves your digital wallet, you’re asked for consent, so you stay in control of your data every step of the way.
Authentication: What Does It Really Mean?
At its core, authentication is the secure process of establishing and communicating that the person operating an application or browser is who they claim to be. In the same way you might flash your driver's license at the door to a concert venue, OIDC lets you prove your identity to services like Google, Facebook, or your favorite online retailer—without handing over your secret details. This process builds trust between you and the digital service, making sure only the real you gets access to your stuff.
To understand how OIDC works, it's helpful to clarify a few key terms:
Client
A client is a piece of software—think web apps like Slack, or native mobile apps like Instagram—that requests tokens to either authenticate a user or access a resource. Before it can do so, the client must register with the identity provider (often called the "OpenID Provider" or OP). Essentially, the client is the application that wants to know who you are.
Relying Party (RP)
You might also encounter the term Relying Party (RP). This refers to any application or website that relies on an identity provider to handle user authentication. Instead of managing usernames and passwords itself, the RP outsources that responsibility, streamlining the login process and improving security.
By leveraging OIDC, clients and relying parties can offer seamless, secure sign-in experiences—think "Log in with Google" or "Sign in with Facebook"—while keeping user identities protected.
What is an Identity Token and What Information Does It Contain?
So, what exactly is an identity token in the world of OpenID Connect? Think of it as your digital “name tag” for the internet. When you successfully sign in using OpenID Connect, the system hands you an identity token. This token is a small, secure bundle of information that proves you really are who you say you are.
At its core, an identity token always includes:
A unique user identifier: Usually called the "subject," this is how the app knows it's really you.
Authentication details: Information about when and how you logged in, giving the app confidence in the validity of your session.
Sometimes, identity tokens can also carry extra profile details—like your email address or name—depending on what information you agree to share. All this allows apps like Netflix, Spotify, or Medium to confirm your identity without ever seeing your password, making your online life that little bit easier (and a whole lot safer).
How is OpenID Connect Different from OpenID 2.0?
Let’s clear up some confusion that often pops up: OpenID Connect is not just an update to OpenID 2.0—it’s a total upgrade.
While both systems were designed to help you prove who you are to a website without sharing your actual password, OpenID 2.0 was built using more dated technology. It relied on XML (think: clunky, old-school paperwork) and had custom security signatures that sometimes tripped up developers, causing apps to “forget” how to talk to each other. Not exactly a recipe for smooth logins.
OpenID Connect, in contrast, is like having a digital passport that’s compatible everywhere you go. It builds on the more modern OAuth 2.0 framework, letting websites rely on existing, trustworthy security systems like HTTPS (yes, the padlock you see in your browser). Instead of wrestling with confusing formats, it uses straightforward, widely-supported JSON and JWTs. This translates to:
Fewer headaches for developers (no more mysterious integration issues)
Better interoperability (apps are far more likely to work together)
Stronger, standardized security practices
In short, OpenID Connect replaced the technical hurdles of its predecessor with simplicity and reliability—so your next login is seamless and secure.
Ever feel like you're constantly logging in to different websites with usernames, passwords, and those CAPTCHAs?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) aims to simplify this online login struggle, making your life easier and the web more secure.
check out our other blogs: API Testing, Continuous API Testing, API Performance Metrics
What is OpenID Connect?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 framework. It allows third-party applications to verify the identity of the end-user and to obtain basic user profile information. In this context, a user refers to a person who is using a registered client (such as a web or mobile application) to access protected resources. Whether you're logging in to Spotify with your Google account or signing into Slack through your workplace credentials, OIDC streamlines the process of confirming who you are, while also enabling applications to securely access limited information about you—only with your permission. OIDC uses JSON web tokens (JWTs), which you can obtain using flows conforming to the OAuth 2.0 specifications.
An important component in this ecosystem is the OpenID Provider (OP), sometimes referred to as an Identity Provider (IDP) or authorization server. The OP is the entity that implements the OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 protocols, making it responsible for authenticating users and issuing security tokens. Well-known examples of OPs include Google, Microsoft, and Okta, which allow users to log in to various applications using a single set of credentials.
By leveraging an OP, applications can delegate the heavy lifting of authentication, streamlining the user experience and enhancing security—without having to manage passwords directly.
OAuth 2.0 itself is a framework, specified by the IETF in RFCs 6749 and 6750 (published in 2012), designed to support the development of authentication and authorization protocols. It provides a variety of standardized message flows based on JSON and HTTP, enabling secure delegated access for web, desktop, and mobile applications. OpenID Connect builds on these flows to provide modern identity services, making it a widely adopted solution for single sign-on and user authentication across platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Example:
Imagine you're at a party, and you need to prove your identity to get in. OpenID Connect is like your trusty ID card in the digital world. It's a technology that allows you to prove who you are to websites and apps without sharing sensitive information like your password.
But that's not all—OpenID Connect is also designed with your privacy in mind. When you use it to sign in somewhere (say, Medium or Spotify), you don’t just hand over all your personal details. Instead, OpenID Connect identifies a specific set of personal attributes—like your name or email—that can be swapped between the service you're using and the identity provider (think Google or Facebook). And, crucially, you get to approve (or deny) exactly what information gets shared. Before anything leaves your digital wallet, you’re asked for consent, so you stay in control of your data every step of the way.
Authentication: What Does It Really Mean?
At its core, authentication is the secure process of establishing and communicating that the person operating an application or browser is who they claim to be. In the same way you might flash your driver's license at the door to a concert venue, OIDC lets you prove your identity to services like Google, Facebook, or your favorite online retailer—without handing over your secret details. This process builds trust between you and the digital service, making sure only the real you gets access to your stuff.
To understand how OIDC works, it's helpful to clarify a few key terms:
Client
A client is a piece of software—think web apps like Slack, or native mobile apps like Instagram—that requests tokens to either authenticate a user or access a resource. Before it can do so, the client must register with the identity provider (often called the "OpenID Provider" or OP). Essentially, the client is the application that wants to know who you are.
Relying Party (RP)
You might also encounter the term Relying Party (RP). This refers to any application or website that relies on an identity provider to handle user authentication. Instead of managing usernames and passwords itself, the RP outsources that responsibility, streamlining the login process and improving security.
By leveraging OIDC, clients and relying parties can offer seamless, secure sign-in experiences—think "Log in with Google" or "Sign in with Facebook"—while keeping user identities protected.
What is an Identity Token and What Information Does It Contain?
So, what exactly is an identity token in the world of OpenID Connect? Think of it as your digital “name tag” for the internet. When you successfully sign in using OpenID Connect, the system hands you an identity token. This token is a small, secure bundle of information that proves you really are who you say you are.
At its core, an identity token always includes:
A unique user identifier: Usually called the "subject," this is how the app knows it's really you.
Authentication details: Information about when and how you logged in, giving the app confidence in the validity of your session.
Sometimes, identity tokens can also carry extra profile details—like your email address or name—depending on what information you agree to share. All this allows apps like Netflix, Spotify, or Medium to confirm your identity without ever seeing your password, making your online life that little bit easier (and a whole lot safer).
How is OpenID Connect Different from OpenID 2.0?
Let’s clear up some confusion that often pops up: OpenID Connect is not just an update to OpenID 2.0—it’s a total upgrade.
While both systems were designed to help you prove who you are to a website without sharing your actual password, OpenID 2.0 was built using more dated technology. It relied on XML (think: clunky, old-school paperwork) and had custom security signatures that sometimes tripped up developers, causing apps to “forget” how to talk to each other. Not exactly a recipe for smooth logins.
OpenID Connect, in contrast, is like having a digital passport that’s compatible everywhere you go. It builds on the more modern OAuth 2.0 framework, letting websites rely on existing, trustworthy security systems like HTTPS (yes, the padlock you see in your browser). Instead of wrestling with confusing formats, it uses straightforward, widely-supported JSON and JWTs. This translates to:
Fewer headaches for developers (no more mysterious integration issues)
Better interoperability (apps are far more likely to work together)
Stronger, standardized security practices
In short, OpenID Connect replaced the technical hurdles of its predecessor with simplicity and reliability—so your next login is seamless and secure.
Ever feel like you're constantly logging in to different websites with usernames, passwords, and those CAPTCHAs?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) aims to simplify this online login struggle, making your life easier and the web more secure.
check out our other blogs: API Testing, Continuous API Testing, API Performance Metrics
What is OpenID Connect?
OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an identity layer built on top of the OAuth 2.0 framework. It allows third-party applications to verify the identity of the end-user and to obtain basic user profile information. In this context, a user refers to a person who is using a registered client (such as a web or mobile application) to access protected resources. Whether you're logging in to Spotify with your Google account or signing into Slack through your workplace credentials, OIDC streamlines the process of confirming who you are, while also enabling applications to securely access limited information about you—only with your permission. OIDC uses JSON web tokens (JWTs), which you can obtain using flows conforming to the OAuth 2.0 specifications.
An important component in this ecosystem is the OpenID Provider (OP), sometimes referred to as an Identity Provider (IDP) or authorization server. The OP is the entity that implements the OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 protocols, making it responsible for authenticating users and issuing security tokens. Well-known examples of OPs include Google, Microsoft, and Okta, which allow users to log in to various applications using a single set of credentials.
By leveraging an OP, applications can delegate the heavy lifting of authentication, streamlining the user experience and enhancing security—without having to manage passwords directly.
OAuth 2.0 itself is a framework, specified by the IETF in RFCs 6749 and 6750 (published in 2012), designed to support the development of authentication and authorization protocols. It provides a variety of standardized message flows based on JSON and HTTP, enabling secure delegated access for web, desktop, and mobile applications. OpenID Connect builds on these flows to provide modern identity services, making it a widely adopted solution for single sign-on and user authentication across platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Example:
Imagine you're at a party, and you need to prove your identity to get in. OpenID Connect is like your trusty ID card in the digital world. It's a technology that allows you to prove who you are to websites and apps without sharing sensitive information like your password.
But that's not all—OpenID Connect is also designed with your privacy in mind. When you use it to sign in somewhere (say, Medium or Spotify), you don’t just hand over all your personal details. Instead, OpenID Connect identifies a specific set of personal attributes—like your name or email—that can be swapped between the service you're using and the identity provider (think Google or Facebook). And, crucially, you get to approve (or deny) exactly what information gets shared. Before anything leaves your digital wallet, you’re asked for consent, so you stay in control of your data every step of the way.
Authentication: What Does It Really Mean?
At its core, authentication is the secure process of establishing and communicating that the person operating an application or browser is who they claim to be. In the same way you might flash your driver's license at the door to a concert venue, OIDC lets you prove your identity to services like Google, Facebook, or your favorite online retailer—without handing over your secret details. This process builds trust between you and the digital service, making sure only the real you gets access to your stuff.
To understand how OIDC works, it's helpful to clarify a few key terms:
Client
A client is a piece of software—think web apps like Slack, or native mobile apps like Instagram—that requests tokens to either authenticate a user or access a resource. Before it can do so, the client must register with the identity provider (often called the "OpenID Provider" or OP). Essentially, the client is the application that wants to know who you are.
Relying Party (RP)
You might also encounter the term Relying Party (RP). This refers to any application or website that relies on an identity provider to handle user authentication. Instead of managing usernames and passwords itself, the RP outsources that responsibility, streamlining the login process and improving security.
By leveraging OIDC, clients and relying parties can offer seamless, secure sign-in experiences—think "Log in with Google" or "Sign in with Facebook"—while keeping user identities protected.
What is an Identity Token and What Information Does It Contain?
So, what exactly is an identity token in the world of OpenID Connect? Think of it as your digital “name tag” for the internet. When you successfully sign in using OpenID Connect, the system hands you an identity token. This token is a small, secure bundle of information that proves you really are who you say you are.
At its core, an identity token always includes:
A unique user identifier: Usually called the "subject," this is how the app knows it's really you.
Authentication details: Information about when and how you logged in, giving the app confidence in the validity of your session.
Sometimes, identity tokens can also carry extra profile details—like your email address or name—depending on what information you agree to share. All this allows apps like Netflix, Spotify, or Medium to confirm your identity without ever seeing your password, making your online life that little bit easier (and a whole lot safer).
How is OpenID Connect Different from OpenID 2.0?
Let’s clear up some confusion that often pops up: OpenID Connect is not just an update to OpenID 2.0—it’s a total upgrade.
While both systems were designed to help you prove who you are to a website without sharing your actual password, OpenID 2.0 was built using more dated technology. It relied on XML (think: clunky, old-school paperwork) and had custom security signatures that sometimes tripped up developers, causing apps to “forget” how to talk to each other. Not exactly a recipe for smooth logins.
OpenID Connect, in contrast, is like having a digital passport that’s compatible everywhere you go. It builds on the more modern OAuth 2.0 framework, letting websites rely on existing, trustworthy security systems like HTTPS (yes, the padlock you see in your browser). Instead of wrestling with confusing formats, it uses straightforward, widely-supported JSON and JWTs. This translates to:
Fewer headaches for developers (no more mysterious integration issues)
Better interoperability (apps are far more likely to work together)
Stronger, standardized security practices
In short, OpenID Connect replaced the technical hurdles of its predecessor with simplicity and reliability—so your next login is seamless and secure.
Why is OpenID Connect Important?
Enhanced Security: OpenID Connect reduces the risk of password theft and misuse. Bob never shared his password with Medium, making his account more secure.
User Convenience: Bob enjoys a seamless sign-up experience. He doesn’t have to remember another password or go through a lengthy registration process.
Interoperability: OpenID Connect is widely supported across various websites and platforms. Bob can use his Google account to sign in to multiple services, saving time and effort.
Reduced Costs: No need to manage complex login systems themselves
Why Should Developers Use OpenID Connect?
So, what’s in it for developers? OpenID Connect isn't just a win for users—it's a serious power-up for anyone building apps and websites.
Less Headache, Fewer Passwords: By integrating OpenID Connect, you skip the hassle of storing and managing a mountain of user passwords (and the risk that comes with it). Instead, trusted providers like Google or Microsoft handle the heavy lifting.
Security by Default: With login and identity checks happening through established tech giants, you tap into their battle-tested security infrastructure. No need to reinvent the wheel—your users get strong protection, and you rest easier at night.
Happier Users, Lower Drop-off: Simplified logins mean users breeze through sign-ups without the friction of creating yet another password. That convenience keeps folks from abandoning your site halfway through registration.
Focus on What Matters: Offloading authentication allows you to devote more energy to building features users love. OpenID Connect helps your team move faster and deliver a polished experience without worrying about the nitty-gritty of auth.
In short, using OpenID Connect makes life easier for both developers and users—boosting security, speeding up your development, and creating a smooth ride for everyone involved.
How Does OpenID Connect Compare to SAML?
If you’ve ever wondered how OpenID Connect stacks up against SAML, you’re not alone! Both are heavyweights in the world of online identity, but they approach things a bit differently.
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) has been around the block for a while, especially in enterprise environments and universities. It relies on XML (that’s tech-speak for a more complex data format) to connect users securely to web-based apps, often the kind you access inside a corporate or campus network.
OpenID Connect, on the other hand, is the newer kid on the block. It speaks the language of modern web and mobile apps: JSON and REST (think: lightweight, fast, easy to work with). This makes it a natural fit for today’s mobile-first world—whether you’re signing in on your phone or on a responsive website.
Key differences at a glance:
Technology:
SAML uses XML, while OIDC uses JSON.
Use cases:
SAML is mostly for web-based apps in workplaces or academic settings.
OpenID Connect works for both web and mobile apps, making it more flexible for newer platforms.
User Experience:
OIDC provides a smoother experience for users—think single-tap logins on mobile devices.
Just like VHS and DVD movies coexisted for a while, both SAML and OpenID Connect are likely to stick around. Businesses and schools may lean on SAML for legacy systems, while companies building the next TikTok or Medium clone will likely turn to OpenID Connect for its speed and simplicity.
How Does OpenID Connect Relate to the FIDO Alliance?
You might be wondering: where does OpenID Connect fit in with other security technologies like those championed by the FIDO Alliance?
Think of it this way—while OpenID Connect handles proving who you are online (like showing your digital ID card), the FIDO Alliance focuses on how you prove your identity without relying on traditional passwords. You’ve probably used FIDO-backed technologies any time you sign in using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a hardware security key—something much more secure than memorizing yet another password.
Both OpenID Connect and FIDO Alliance technologies can work together. For example, when you log in to a service using OpenID Connect with your Google account, the way you actually authenticate (say, using your phone’s fingerprint or a YubiKey) could be powered by FIDO standards. They’re like teammates: OpenID Connect introduces you at the door, and FIDO makes sure you’re actually you, all without making you remember another tricky password.
Together, these solutions help you log in quickly and securely, whether you’re accessing email, collaborating in Dropbox, or streaming your favorite playlist—making the modern web safer and more convenient for everyone.
Enhanced Security: OpenID Connect reduces the risk of password theft and misuse. Bob never shared his password with Medium, making his account more secure.
User Convenience: Bob enjoys a seamless sign-up experience. He doesn’t have to remember another password or go through a lengthy registration process.
Interoperability: OpenID Connect is widely supported across various websites and platforms. Bob can use his Google account to sign in to multiple services, saving time and effort.
Reduced Costs: No need to manage complex login systems themselves
Why Should Developers Use OpenID Connect?
So, what’s in it for developers? OpenID Connect isn't just a win for users—it's a serious power-up for anyone building apps and websites.
Less Headache, Fewer Passwords: By integrating OpenID Connect, you skip the hassle of storing and managing a mountain of user passwords (and the risk that comes with it). Instead, trusted providers like Google or Microsoft handle the heavy lifting.
Security by Default: With login and identity checks happening through established tech giants, you tap into their battle-tested security infrastructure. No need to reinvent the wheel—your users get strong protection, and you rest easier at night.
Happier Users, Lower Drop-off: Simplified logins mean users breeze through sign-ups without the friction of creating yet another password. That convenience keeps folks from abandoning your site halfway through registration.
Focus on What Matters: Offloading authentication allows you to devote more energy to building features users love. OpenID Connect helps your team move faster and deliver a polished experience without worrying about the nitty-gritty of auth.
In short, using OpenID Connect makes life easier for both developers and users—boosting security, speeding up your development, and creating a smooth ride for everyone involved.
How Does OpenID Connect Compare to SAML?
If you’ve ever wondered how OpenID Connect stacks up against SAML, you’re not alone! Both are heavyweights in the world of online identity, but they approach things a bit differently.
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) has been around the block for a while, especially in enterprise environments and universities. It relies on XML (that’s tech-speak for a more complex data format) to connect users securely to web-based apps, often the kind you access inside a corporate or campus network.
OpenID Connect, on the other hand, is the newer kid on the block. It speaks the language of modern web and mobile apps: JSON and REST (think: lightweight, fast, easy to work with). This makes it a natural fit for today’s mobile-first world—whether you’re signing in on your phone or on a responsive website.
Key differences at a glance:
Technology:
SAML uses XML, while OIDC uses JSON.
Use cases:
SAML is mostly for web-based apps in workplaces or academic settings.
OpenID Connect works for both web and mobile apps, making it more flexible for newer platforms.
User Experience:
OIDC provides a smoother experience for users—think single-tap logins on mobile devices.
Just like VHS and DVD movies coexisted for a while, both SAML and OpenID Connect are likely to stick around. Businesses and schools may lean on SAML for legacy systems, while companies building the next TikTok or Medium clone will likely turn to OpenID Connect for its speed and simplicity.
How Does OpenID Connect Relate to the FIDO Alliance?
You might be wondering: where does OpenID Connect fit in with other security technologies like those championed by the FIDO Alliance?
Think of it this way—while OpenID Connect handles proving who you are online (like showing your digital ID card), the FIDO Alliance focuses on how you prove your identity without relying on traditional passwords. You’ve probably used FIDO-backed technologies any time you sign in using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a hardware security key—something much more secure than memorizing yet another password.
Both OpenID Connect and FIDO Alliance technologies can work together. For example, when you log in to a service using OpenID Connect with your Google account, the way you actually authenticate (say, using your phone’s fingerprint or a YubiKey) could be powered by FIDO standards. They’re like teammates: OpenID Connect introduces you at the door, and FIDO makes sure you’re actually you, all without making you remember another tricky password.
Together, these solutions help you log in quickly and securely, whether you’re accessing email, collaborating in Dropbox, or streaming your favorite playlist—making the modern web safer and more convenient for everyone.
Enhanced Security: OpenID Connect reduces the risk of password theft and misuse. Bob never shared his password with Medium, making his account more secure.
User Convenience: Bob enjoys a seamless sign-up experience. He doesn’t have to remember another password or go through a lengthy registration process.
Interoperability: OpenID Connect is widely supported across various websites and platforms. Bob can use his Google account to sign in to multiple services, saving time and effort.
Reduced Costs: No need to manage complex login systems themselves
Why Should Developers Use OpenID Connect?
So, what’s in it for developers? OpenID Connect isn't just a win for users—it's a serious power-up for anyone building apps and websites.
Less Headache, Fewer Passwords: By integrating OpenID Connect, you skip the hassle of storing and managing a mountain of user passwords (and the risk that comes with it). Instead, trusted providers like Google or Microsoft handle the heavy lifting.
Security by Default: With login and identity checks happening through established tech giants, you tap into their battle-tested security infrastructure. No need to reinvent the wheel—your users get strong protection, and you rest easier at night.
Happier Users, Lower Drop-off: Simplified logins mean users breeze through sign-ups without the friction of creating yet another password. That convenience keeps folks from abandoning your site halfway through registration.
Focus on What Matters: Offloading authentication allows you to devote more energy to building features users love. OpenID Connect helps your team move faster and deliver a polished experience without worrying about the nitty-gritty of auth.
In short, using OpenID Connect makes life easier for both developers and users—boosting security, speeding up your development, and creating a smooth ride for everyone involved.
How Does OpenID Connect Compare to SAML?
If you’ve ever wondered how OpenID Connect stacks up against SAML, you’re not alone! Both are heavyweights in the world of online identity, but they approach things a bit differently.
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) has been around the block for a while, especially in enterprise environments and universities. It relies on XML (that’s tech-speak for a more complex data format) to connect users securely to web-based apps, often the kind you access inside a corporate or campus network.
OpenID Connect, on the other hand, is the newer kid on the block. It speaks the language of modern web and mobile apps: JSON and REST (think: lightweight, fast, easy to work with). This makes it a natural fit for today’s mobile-first world—whether you’re signing in on your phone or on a responsive website.
Key differences at a glance:
Technology:
SAML uses XML, while OIDC uses JSON.
Use cases:
SAML is mostly for web-based apps in workplaces or academic settings.
OpenID Connect works for both web and mobile apps, making it more flexible for newer platforms.
User Experience:
OIDC provides a smoother experience for users—think single-tap logins on mobile devices.
Just like VHS and DVD movies coexisted for a while, both SAML and OpenID Connect are likely to stick around. Businesses and schools may lean on SAML for legacy systems, while companies building the next TikTok or Medium clone will likely turn to OpenID Connect for its speed and simplicity.
How Does OpenID Connect Relate to the FIDO Alliance?
You might be wondering: where does OpenID Connect fit in with other security technologies like those championed by the FIDO Alliance?
Think of it this way—while OpenID Connect handles proving who you are online (like showing your digital ID card), the FIDO Alliance focuses on how you prove your identity without relying on traditional passwords. You’ve probably used FIDO-backed technologies any time you sign in using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a hardware security key—something much more secure than memorizing yet another password.
Both OpenID Connect and FIDO Alliance technologies can work together. For example, when you log in to a service using OpenID Connect with your Google account, the way you actually authenticate (say, using your phone’s fingerprint or a YubiKey) could be powered by FIDO standards. They’re like teammates: OpenID Connect introduces you at the door, and FIDO makes sure you’re actually you, all without making you remember another tricky password.
Together, these solutions help you log in quickly and securely, whether you’re accessing email, collaborating in Dropbox, or streaming your favorite playlist—making the modern web safer and more convenient for everyone.
Conclusion
OpenID Connect is like an online ID card. It lets you prove who you are to websites without giving away your password. It's like showing your ID at a party – it's secure, easy, and keeps your info safe.
OpenID Connect is like an online ID card. It lets you prove who you are to websites without giving away your password. It's like showing your ID at a party – it's secure, easy, and keeps your info safe.
OpenID Connect is like an online ID card. It lets you prove who you are to websites without giving away your password. It's like showing your ID at a party – it's secure, easy, and keeps your info safe.
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Discover, Test, and Secure your APIs — 10x Faster.
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All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Qodex
Discover, Test, and Secure your APIs — 10x Faster.
Product
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Qodex