How to Add and Pass a Bearer Token in the Header

What is a Bearer Token in the Header?

A Bearer Token is a type of access token included in the authorization header of an HTTP request. It serves as a security credential commonly used in authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0. The bearer token is a string representing the authorization granted to the client and is sent in the request header using the “Authorization” field.

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Authorization Header Format

The format for the Authorization header with a Bearer Token typically appears as follows:

Authorization: Bearer <token>

In this format, <token> should be substituted with the actual bearer token obtained during the authentication process. The server utilizes this token to verify the client’s identity and grant access to the requested resource or execute the requested action.

Bearer tokens are frequently used to access protected resources on behalf of the user after permission has been granted. They play a crucial role in securing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to ensure that only authorized clients can make requests. Careful handling of bearer tokens is essential since they represent sensitive information that must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Steps to Add and Pass a Bearer Token in the Header

When calling an API that uses bearer token auth, you need to properly format and send the header to pass the token to the API. Here are the steps to set the authorization header with a bearer token in Apidog:

Step 1: Obtain the Bearer Token

The first step is to obtain a valid bearer token for use in the header. This token is typically generated when the user logs in or registers with your application. The token includes encoded information such as the user ID, permissions, and expiration time. Here is a comprehensive guide on creating a bearer token.

Make sure to store the token securely within your application, generally in local storage or a cookie, and avoid including sensitive user information in the token payload.

Step 2: Make an HTTP Request with a Bearer Token

In Apidog, initiate an HTTP GET or POST request by clicking the “+” button.

1. Input the URL.
2. From the auth tap, select “Bearer Token.”
3. Enter your bearer token in the designated field.

This way, then bearer token will be added to the request header automatically when sending an API request.

Other Methods for Adding Bearer Tokens in the Header

You can also use other programming tools to add bearer tokens:

• JavaScript Fetch:

  fetch('/api/users', {
      headers: {
          'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + token 
      }
  });
  

• cURL:

  curl -H "Authorization: Bearer <token>" https://api.example.com
  

• Java:

  request.addHeader("Authorization", "Bearer " + token);
  

Step 3: Send the Request and Receive the Response

Click on the “Send” button, and the API server will validate the token. The server will decode the header, extract the token, validate it, and authenticate the request if the token is valid and active.

If authorization is successful, the server will send back the requested resource in the response. The client is now able to engage with protected resources using the authenticated request.

Conclusion

Correctly formatting and sending bearer tokens in the Authorization header provides a secure and standardized method for implementing authentication when consuming APIs and web services. Bearer tokens encapsulate user identity without exposing sensitive credentials on each request.

By following the outlined steps to obtain tokens, create the header value, attach it to requests, and validate on the server, you can facilitate seamless API authorization in your applications. It’s crucial to manage and rotate tokens properly to protect user data.

Implementing token-based authentication using the Authorization bearer scheme enhances security, separates client and server responsibilities, and simplifies the integration of APIs and microservices within your architecture. With a robust understanding of how bearer tokens and headers interact, you can build scalable and secure systems.