Authentication is an essential part of most applications. It allows you to identify users and control access to certain features and content in your app. In this comprehensive guide, we will look at different ways to implement login authentication in React Native using JSON Web Tokens (JWT).
React Native provides easy to use building blocks to help developers create robust authentication systems. We will explore some of the most popular libraries like React Native App Auth and AWS Amplify to add login functionality in React Native.
Here are some of the topics we will cover:
- What is authentication and why is it important?
- Different authentication methods
- JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
- React Native App Auth library
- AWS Amplify
- Authentication using Firebase
- Biometric authentication
Understanding these key concepts will help you add login and authentication capabilities in your React Native app easily.
What is Authentication and Why is it Important?
Authentication simply means confirming your identity. It is the mechanism of associating an incoming request with a set of identifying credentials. The credentials provided are compared to those on a file in a database of authorized users’ information on a local operating system or within an authentication server.
Some common examples of authentication include:
- Entering a username and password on a login screen.
- Providing a fingerprint on your phone’s sensor.
- Scanning a QR code on an authenticator app.
- Inserting a smart card.
Once your credentials are verified, the application allows you access to authorized content and functionality.
There are a few reasons why authentication is important:
- Security – Authentication protects your sensitive user data and prevents unauthorized access.
- Access control – It lets you manage permissions on who can view and access different parts of the app.
- User experience – By identifying users, you can provide customized and relevant content to them.
- Collecting user data – It allows you to gather analytics on your target demographic.
Having proper authentication improves security, analytics, targeting, and the overall user experience.
Different Authentication Methods
There are several ways authentication can be implemented:
1. Basic Access Authentication
One of the simplest techniques is basic access authentication. It transmits usernames and passwords in plain text in the HTTP request. The credentials are encoded in Base64 but not encrypted.
This method is easy to implement but has security vulnerabilities since the password is not hashed.
2. Session Based Authentication
This uses sessions and cookies to handle authentication. The user logs in with their credentials which are verified. The server then creates a session and generates a unique session ID.
This ID is stored as a cookie on the user’s browser. Subsequent requests by the user will include this cookie for the server to validate the session and authenticate users.
3. Token Based Authentication
This method uses a signed token that is generated by the server. JWTs or JSON Web Tokens are a popular implementation of token based authentication.
The token contains user data like username, issued at time, expiry time etc in a JSON object. The token is digitally signed to prevent tampering.
The client stores this token and includes it in subsequent API requests to authenticate users. As the session data is contained within the token, it does not need to be stored server-side.
4. OAuth 2.0 Authentication
OAuth provides authentication for third-party apps and services to access user data. It delegates authentication to the service which issues tokens.
For example, logging in with your Google account. Google authenticates your credentials and provides the app an access token. The app can use this token to access your Google data.
OAuth eliminates the need to hand out your username and password to each app.
5. OpenID Connect Authentication
OpenID Connect is an authentication layer built on top of OAuth 2.0. It uses simple JSON Web Tokens for authentication and authorization.
It provides additional user information like profile data, email etc. in an interoperable manner. This eliminates the need for gathering user data separately.
6. Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication uses fingerprint scans, facial recognition, iris scans etc. to identify users. This method is convenient for users as it eliminates the need to remember credentials.
The biometric data is stored locally on the device and provides very high accuracy in authentication. It is however less portable across devices.
JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
JSON Web Token (JWT) is an open standard for secure transmission of information between parties as a JSON object. Because it is a self-contained token, JWTs can be used for authenticating users without querying a database, making it perfect for React Native apps.
Some key properties of JWT are:
- Compact – JWTs are encoded, not encrypted. This makes the tokens smaller and easy to transmit.
- Self-contained – The payload contains all the required user information like username, issuer etc.
- Verified Signature – It can be cryptographically signed and verified to prevent tampering.
The JWT structure contains three parts separated by a dot (.).
Header – Consists of the type of token (JWT) and the hashing algorithm used (HMAC, SHA256 or RSA).
Payload – Contains claims like user data, token issue and expiry time etc.
Signature – Formed by encrypting the header and payload. Used to verify that the sender is authentic.
Here is an example JWT:
“`
xxxxx.yyyyy.zzzzz
“`
When the user authenticates with their credentials, a JWT is returned. For subsequent API calls, the client stores then sends this JWT in the Authorization header using the Bearer schema. The API then verifies the header and signature to authenticate the user.
Some benefits of using JWT are:
- No need for server-side sessions
- More scalable as user state is not stored on server
- Decoupling – JWTs can be generated anywhere
- Compact representation of user data
- Better user experience
JWT works very well with React Native apps. Next, we will look at how to implement JWT authentication in React Native using some handy libraries.
React Native App Auth
React Native App Auth is an SDK that provides authentication capabilities for your app using OAuth2 and OpenID Connect.
It has built-in support for using JWT as part of the OAuth flow. The library handles retrieving, refreshing and managing tokens according to the OAuth specifications.
Here are the steps to integrate React Native App Auth in your app:
1. Install the package
“`
npm install react-native-app-auth
“`
Or with Yarn:
“`
yarn add react-native-app-auth
“`
2. Link the library
“`
react-native link react-native-app-auth
“`
3. Configure your app
In your app’s component, import the library:
“`
import * as React from ‘react’;
import { authorize } from ‘react-native-app-auth’;
“`
Add your OAuth client details like client ID, redirect URL etc.
“`
const config = {
issuer: ‘https://your-auth-server.com’,
clientId: ‘xxxxxxx’,
redirectUrl: ‘your-app://oauthredirect’,
scopes: [‘openid’, ‘profile’],
};
“`
4. Make the authentication call
Use the `authorize` method to start the OAuth flow.
“`
const result = await authorize(config);
“`
This will open the sign-in page where the user can enter credentials and allow permissions.
5. Get authentication tokens
Once authenticated successfully, you can access the tokens from the response:
“`
const { accessToken, idToken } = result;
“`
These tokens can be included in subsequent API requests to authenticate the user.
The `react-native-app-auth` library provides a seamless way to add OAuth authentication with JWT to your React Native app with minimal code changes required.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify provides a robust set of tools to build and deploy secure, scalable mobile and web apps. A key feature of Amplify is Authentication.
It allows you to quickly integrate various authentication mechanisms like username/password, third-party logins etc. Amplify uses OAuth under the hood to provide a JWT for authenticated requests.
Here is how Amplify can be used to add authentication in React Native:
1. Install Amplify
“`
npm install aws-amplify @aws-amplify/ui-react-native
“`
2. Import modules
“`
import Amplify from ‘aws-amplify’;
import { AmplifyAuthenticator } from ‘@aws-amplify/ui-react-native’;
“`
3. Configure Amplify
Initialize Amplify in your app. Provide your AWS configurations.
“`
Amplify.configure({
Auth: {
identityPoolId: ‘XX-XXXX-X:XXXXXXXX-XXXX-1234-abcd-1234567890ab’,
region: ‘XX-XXXX-X’,
}
});
“`
4. Add Authenticator component
Use `AmplifyAuthenticator` to provide UI for signing up and signing in.
“`
{/* Rest of the app */}
“`
This automatically handles the OAuth flow using AWS Cognito service. Once authenticated, the JWT tokens can be retrieved using `Auth.currentAuthenticatedUser()`.
Amplify takes care of the complexities around implementing authentication best practices like two-factor authentication, analytics, monitoring etc. Making it easy to add secure login functionality.
Firebase Authentication
Firebase provides backend services for building mobile and web apps. Firebase authentication provides backend services and easy-to-use SDKs to authenticate users to your React Native app.
It supports authentication using passwords, phone numbers, popular federated identity providers like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Github, Apple etc.
Here is how to use Firebase to authenticate in a React Native app:
1. Create a Firebase project
Go to the Firebase console and create a new project. Select the ‘Add Firebase to your Android app’ option to register your app.
2. Install Firebase SDK
“`
npm install –save firebase
“`
3. Import the module
“`
import * as firebase from ‘firebase’;
“`
4. Initialize Firebase
Initialize the SDK with the config details from your Firebase project.
“`
const firebaseConfig = {
// Copy credentials from your project
};
firebase.initializeApp(firebaseConfig);
“`
5. Implement login functionality
Use the Firebase API to authenticate users:
“`
firebase
.auth()
.signInWithEmailAndPassword(email, password)
.then(() => {
//User logged in successfully
})
.catch(error => {
// Handle errors
});
“`
Firebase automatically handles tasks like user management, analytics, reporting. Enabling you to quickly add authentication using industry security standards.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition provides a convenient method for users to securely access their accounts.
React Native provides biometric APIs to implement this in your app. Here is an overview of how it works:
1. Check for biometric support
Use the `LocalAuthentication` API to check if the device has biometric capability:
“`
import { LocalAuthentication } from ‘expo’;
const isBiometricSupported = await LocalAuthentication.hasHardwareAsync();
“`
2. Get biometric types
Determine the types of biometrics supported:
“`
const { biometryType } = await LocalAuthentication.isEnrolledAsync();
if (biometryType === LocalAuthentication.TouchID) {
// Has Touch ID
} else if (biometryType === LocalAuthentication.FaceID) {
// Has Face ID
}
“`
3. Authenticate user
Prompt the user to authenticate using their biometric:
“`
const result = await LocalAuthentication.authenticateAsync();
if (result.success) {
// User authenticated successfully
} else {
// Failed to authenticate
}
“`
The React Native Local Authentication module allows you to easily integrate Touch ID or Face ID based authentication in your app.
Conclusion
Implementing secure authentication is essential for most applications. React Native provides flexible building blocks that make it easy to add login functionality using standards like OAuth and OpenID Connect.
Libraries like React Native App Auth and AWS Amplify simplify the integration of authentication using JWTs. Firebase Authentication provides ready-made solutions to support authentication using various providers.
Biometric authentication like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition provides added security and convenience for users. The React Native Local Authentication API allows you to easily leverage these device capabilities.
By understanding the authentication options available, you can choose the right strategy for your app and provide fast, secure access for your users.