Unit 9: User Authentication & Databases
Unit Essential Questions
You should use the questions below to assess your own learning and understanding of course material. These questions are also a good method of organization if you’re taking notes.
User Authentication & Authorization
- How do sessions help keep track of users and their logins?
- What’s the difference between user authentication and user authorization?
Databases
- What’s a database?
- What’s a relational database management system?
- How are databases used to store user logins and sessions?
Unit Readings
User Auth
- Read Understanding User Authentication in your Web App and how to implement it
- As a refresher, it might be helpful to Read Cookies-Based Authentication Vs Session-Based Authentication
- Read Authentication vs Authorization – What’s the Difference? and/or Watch Auth Does NOT Have To Be Hard
Databases
- Watch What is a Database?
- Read SQL vs MySQL: A Simple Guide to the Differences
- For a more in-depth reading with additional database technologies, Read SQL vs. MySQL: Differences, Similarities, Uses, and Benefits
Note: While large companies often maintain their own authentication systems and databases, for most daily purposes you’ll likely find it much easier (and safer) to use existing authentication tools for your web apps. Some tools of interest may include:
Unit Lab
There’s no official lab assignment due this unit to allow you time to work on your final project! Make sure to be making consistent and steady progress on that, and catch up with any incomplete labs as well.
Additional Resources
Below are some additional resources specific to this unit. Even more additional resources are available under the “Resources” tab of our site.
User Auth
- Read Secure User Authentication Methods – 2FA, Biometric, and Passwordless Login Explained
- Read How to Authenticate Users in Your Node App with Cookies, Sessions, and Passport.js
- Review Web App Security/Authentication Playlist
- Watch React Authentication in 5 Minutes