What kind of authentication is commonly used in APIs?

OAuth, or Open Authorization, is commonly used in APIs as it provides a robust framework for securing access to resources. It allows clients to access server resources on behalf of a user without sharing their credentials. Instead, OAuth uses tokens that can grant limited access, which enhances security by minimizing the exposure of sensitive information.

OAuth is particularly valuable in scenarios where third-party applications need to interact with an API on behalf of a user. It supports delegated access, meaning a user can grant permission to a third-party service to act on their behalf without relinquishing control over their credentials.

While other methods such as Basic Authentication, Token Authentication, and LDAP Authentication can also be utilized in API scenarios, OAuth stands out for its strength in managing access rights and its ability to work seamlessly with a wide range of identity providers. By using OAuth, developers can implement secure, scalable, and flexible access controls in their applications, making it a preferred choice in modern API design.