name: auth-system-design description: | Authentication system design and implementation guidance with Python examples using strict typing. Use when: (1) Designing authentication flows (signup, login, logout, refresh), (2) Selecting between session vs token-based auth, (3) Designing JWT structure and claims, (4) Implementing OAuth 2.0 flows, (5) Setting up multi-service authentication patterns, (6) Creating password reset and email verification flows, (7) Implementing role-based access control (RBAC), (8) Creating security checklists for auth systems, (9) Planning frontend/backend auth integration. All examples follow Python typing standards and security best practices.

Authentication System Design

Design secure and scalable authentication systems following industry best practices and security standards.

Quick Reference

Authentication Method Selection

• Session-based: Traditional web apps, server-side control
• JWT Token: SPA/mobile/microservices, stateless
• OAuth 2.0: Third-party integration, standard protocols
• OpenID Connect: Identity + authentication

JWT Claims Structure

• Standard: iss, sub, aud, exp, nbf, iat, jti
• Custom: userId, roles, permissions

Decision Workflow

1. Choose Authentication Method

2. Design Authentication Flows

• Sign Up: Validate → Create → Verify → Login
• Login: Validate → Generate tokens → Redirect
• Logout: Invalidate → Clear → Redirect
• Refresh: Check expiry → Use refresh token → Retry

3. JWT Structure & OAuth Selection

• Use RS256 algorithm, short expiry (15-60 min)
• Authorization Code flow for web apps, PKCE for public clients

4. Security Validation

• Password hashing (bcrypt/Argon2)
• Rate limiting, HTTPS, token expiration
• Input validation, secure headers

Essential Patterns

Secure Password Handling

import bcrypt
def hash_password(password: str) -> str:
    salt = bcrypt.gensalt(rounds=12)
    return bcrypt.hashpw(password.encode(), salt).decode()

def verify_password(plain: str, hashed: str) -> bool:
    return bcrypt.checkpw(plain.encode(), hashed.encode())

JWT Token Operations

import jwt
from datetime import datetime, timedelta

def create_token(user_id: str, roles: list) -> str:
    payload = {
        "user_id": user_id,
        "roles": roles,
        "exp": (datetime.utcnow() + timedelta(minutes=15)).timestamp(),
        "iss": "https://your-app.com"
    }
    return jwt.encode(payload, key="secret", algorithm="RS256")

Resources