JWT (JSON Web Token)
A compact, self-contained authentication token used by many APIs. JWTs expire and must be refreshed a common source of automation failures when token refresh logic is not built into the workflow.
Expert insight
A JWT that expires mid-workflow will silently fail all downstream steps. Always build token refresh logic.
In a real workflow
An internal API issues a JWT that expires after an hour; the workflow requests a new one before calling the API.
Common mistakes
- Storing JWTs longer than their validity and getting authentication errors.
- Putting sensitive data in the token payload, which is only encoded, not encrypted.
Complexity level
Technical term used in production automation systems.
Related terms
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