JWT vs Session Tokens: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right One
The core distinction between JWTs and session tokens is where state is stored: sessions keep state on the server and give the client a reference, while JWTs store state on the client and let the server verify it. Session tokens make logout straightforward, as deleting the server-side record immediately invalidates access. JWTs, being stateless, offer performance benefits like no database lookups and easier scaling across microservices and mobile apps, but their statelessness means a logged-out token remains valid until it expires. Common workarounds such as short-lived tokens with refresh tokens or server-side blocklists address this, but add complexity. The best choice depends on factors like your client type, whether instant logout is a hard requirement, and what your authentication provider defaults to.
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