OAuth 2.0 is the industry standard protocol for authorization. When integrating with APIs, getting authentication right is critical for both security and reliability. This guide covers the best practices you need to follow.
Choosing the Right Grant Type
For server-to-server integrations, use the Client Credentials grant. For applications that act on behalf of users, the Authorization Code grant with PKCE is the recommended approach. Never use the Implicit grant for new applications — it has been deprecated due to security concerns.
Token Management
Always store access tokens securely. Never log tokens or include them in URLs. Use short-lived access tokens (typically 15-60 minutes) and longer-lived refresh tokens. Implement token rotation so that each refresh token can only be used once.
Handling Token Expiration
Build proactive token refresh into your integration. Check the expires_in field and refresh tokens before they expire rather than waiting for a 401 response. This prevents request failures and improves user experience.
Security Considerations
Always use HTTPS for all OAuth flows. Validate the state parameter to prevent CSRF attacks. Store client secrets in environment variables, never in source code. Implement proper scope management — request only the permissions your application needs.
For implementation examples in multiple languages, check our SDK documentation.