ASP.NET Core Interview Question #126

What is authentication in ASP.NET Core?

Authentication, Authorization & Security Mid-Level Intermediate

Quick Interview Answer

Authentication is the process of determining who a user or client is. ASP.NET Core authentication handlers examine credentials such as an authentication cookie, bearer token, certificate, or external-provider response and build a ClaimsPrincipal when authentication succeeds.

Detailed Explanation

Authentication does not decide whether the authenticated identity may access a resource; that is authorization. Applications register one or more authentication schemes and configure defaults when appropriate.

Code Example

builder.Services.AddAuthentication("MyCookie")
    .AddCookie("MyCookie");

app.UseAuthentication();
app.UseAuthorization();