Django REST framework JWT vs JSON Web Token: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare Django REST Framework JWT (JSON Web Token) with JSON Web Token and highlight the key differences between the two.

1. Token Handling: When using Django REST Framework JWT, token handling is seamlessly integrated with Django authentication. It provides a simple way to obtain and validate tokens using the built-in views and decorators. On the other hand, JSON Web Token is a standalone standard for creating and validating tokens, which can be used with any framework or programming language. It requires separate implementations for token handling.

2. Token Format: Django REST Framework JWT uses JSON Web Token format for generating tokens. The token consists of three parts: header, payload, and signature, which are base64 encoded and separated by dots. Django REST Framework JWT also includes additional information in the payload, such as the user's ID and expiration time. JSON Web Token itself is a format for representing claims securely between two parties. It can contain any arbitrary set of claims as payload and has a compact URL-safe representation.

3. Token Expiration: Django REST Framework JWT allows setting an expiration time for tokens. When a token reaches its expiration time, it becomes invalid and the user needs to obtain a new token. JSON Web Token also supports expiration time by including an "exp" claim in the payload. However, it is not enforced or checked by default, and it is the responsibility of the application to validate the expiration time.

4. Token Authentication: Django REST Framework JWT uses the JSON Web Token for authentication purposes. It provides a variety of authentication classes that can be used to authenticate requests using JWTs. JSON Web Token itself is a token-based authentication mechanism. It can be used in various scenarios for authenticating and authorizing users by exchanging and verifying tokens.

5. User Information: In Django REST Framework JWT, the user's ID is included as the "user_id" claim in the token's payload. This allows the server to identify the user associated with the token. JSON Web Token can also include user information in the payload, but the format and content of the payload are not predefined. It can be customized based on the application's requirements.

6. Integration with Django: Django REST Framework JWT is specifically designed for use with Django. It integrates seamlessly with Django authentication and provides built-in views and decorators for token handling. JSON Web Token, on the other hand, is a generic standard that can be used with any framework or programming language. It requires separate integration and implementation with the chosen framework.

In summary, Django REST Framework JWT is a Django-specific implementation that provides seamless integration with Django authentication and built-in functionality for token handling. JSON Web Token, on the other hand, is a standalone standard that can be used with any framework or programming language, allowing for more flexibility and customization.