Access tokens and refresh tokens are crucial components in developing secure authentication systems for API-driven applications.
Access tokens function as digital keys that grant users access to restricted resources, containing user information and permission details with short expiration periods to minimize security risks.
Refresh tokens complement access tokens by enabling the application to obtain new access tokens without requiring the user to log in again, maintaining sessions and enhancing user experience.
Secure implementation practices such as token storage, transmission over HTTPS, token expiry management, role-based permissions, and token revocation are essential for effectively using access and refresh tokens in applications.