Skip to main content

9.4 - API Authentication

Authentication and authorization are crucial for securing API access. This section provides an overview of common methods and a detailed guide to implementing OAuth in Python.

9.4.1 - Overview of Authentication Methods​

  1. API Keys:

    • Simple and straightforward method where a unique generated value is used.
    • Included in API requests to identify the end user or calling program.

  2. OAuth:

    • A more secure and complex standard for access delegation.
    • Used to grant website or application access to your API without revealing password credentials.

9.4.2 - Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing OAuth​

  1. Install Required Libraries:

    pip install requests_oauthlib

  2. Get OAuth Credentials:

    • Register your application with the API provider and receive your client ID and client secret.

  3. Request Authorization:

    from requests_oauthlib import OAuth2Session
    oauth = OAuth2Session(client_id)
    authorization_url, state = oauth.authorization_url('https://api.example.com/oauth/authorize')
    print('Please go to %s and authorize access.' % authorization_url)

  4. Get Token:

    token = oauth.fetch_token('https://api.example.com/oauth/token',
                              authorization_response=input('Enter the full callback URL: '),
                              client_secret=client_secret)

  5. Make API Request Using Token:

    response = oauth.get('https://api.example.com/resource')
    print(response.content)