Glossary coding Term Page
JWT
A signed token format used to verify auth data without storing every request on the server
Core Idea
A JWT is a token format that carries data such as user identity and expiration time, then adds a signature so the server can detect tampering. That lets the server quickly decide who is making a request without storing all auth state in one place.
Why It Matters Here
Mathbong uses JWTs repeatedly in FastAPI auth flows, Bearer token handling, and protected route examples. The main goal is not memorizing the token format itself, but understanding the larger pattern of "login -> issue token -> verify token on later requests."