oauth2-server vs simple-oauth2 vs client-oauth2
OAuth 2.0 Libraries for Node.js Comparison
1 Year
oauth2-serversimple-oauth2client-oauth2
What's OAuth 2.0 Libraries for Node.js?

These libraries provide implementations for OAuth 2.0, a widely used authorization framework that allows third-party services to exchange information without sharing credentials. They facilitate the process of securing APIs and managing user authentication and authorization in web applications. Each library has its own approach and use cases, catering to different needs in OAuth 2.0 implementation.

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oauth2-server534,0974,044-1905 years agoMIT
simple-oauth2250,5481,63232.7 kB128 months agoApache-2.0
client-oauth289,992538-845 years agoApache-2.0
Feature Comparison: oauth2-server vs simple-oauth2 vs client-oauth2

Use Case

  • oauth2-server:

    oauth2-server is intended for server-side applications that need to implement an OAuth 2.0 authorization server. It supports various grant types, making it suitable for scenarios where you need to manage user authentication and provide access tokens to clients securely.

  • simple-oauth2:

    simple-oauth2 can be used for both client and server-side applications. It is particularly useful when you want a straightforward way to implement OAuth 2.0 without the complexity of a full server implementation. It works well in scenarios where you need to authenticate users and access APIs seamlessly.

  • client-oauth2:

    client-oauth2 is designed for client-side applications, particularly SPAs, where it simplifies the process of obtaining and managing access tokens. It is ideal for scenarios where user interaction is required to authorize access to APIs, such as social media integrations or third-party service access.

Complexity

  • oauth2-server:

    oauth2-server is more complex as it requires understanding of OAuth 2.0 specifications and server-side implementation details. It provides a comprehensive solution that can be tailored to specific needs, but this also means a steeper learning curve for developers.

  • simple-oauth2:

    simple-oauth2 strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. It is designed to be easy to integrate while still providing enough flexibility to handle various OAuth 2.0 flows, making it suitable for developers looking for a straightforward solution without sacrificing capabilities.

  • client-oauth2:

    client-oauth2 is relatively simple and easy to use, focusing on the client-side flow of OAuth 2.0. It abstracts away much of the complexity involved in token management, making it accessible for developers who may not be familiar with OAuth 2.0 intricacies.

Token Management

  • oauth2-server:

    oauth2-server provides extensive capabilities for managing access tokens, including issuing, revoking, and validating tokens. It allows for custom implementations of token storage and management, giving developers full control over how tokens are handled in their applications.

  • simple-oauth2:

    simple-oauth2 simplifies token management by providing a clear API for obtaining and refreshing tokens. It abstracts the complexity of token handling while allowing developers to implement custom logic if needed, making it versatile for various use cases.

  • client-oauth2:

    client-oauth2 handles token management effectively on the client side, allowing developers to easily store, refresh, and manage access tokens. It provides built-in methods for token handling, reducing the need for manual implementation.

Extensibility

  • oauth2-server:

    oauth2-server is highly extensible, allowing developers to customize the implementation to fit specific needs. It supports various grant types and can be extended with custom logic for token storage, validation, and user authentication, making it ideal for complex applications.

  • simple-oauth2:

    simple-oauth2 offers a moderate level of extensibility. While it provides a straightforward API, developers can still extend its functionality by implementing custom token handling and integrating it with other libraries, making it adaptable for different scenarios.

  • client-oauth2:

    client-oauth2 is not highly extensible as it is focused on client-side flows. However, it can be integrated with other libraries and frameworks to enhance functionality, making it suitable for lightweight applications.

Community Support

  • oauth2-server:

    oauth2-server has a robust community and extensive documentation, making it easier for developers to find resources, examples, and support. Its popularity ensures that common issues are well-documented and addressed.

  • simple-oauth2:

    simple-oauth2 benefits from a growing community and good documentation, providing developers with the necessary resources to implement OAuth 2.0 effectively. Its simplicity contributes to a supportive environment for new users.

  • client-oauth2:

    client-oauth2 has a smaller community compared to the other two libraries, but it is still maintained and has sufficient documentation to assist developers in implementation.

How to Choose: oauth2-server vs simple-oauth2 vs client-oauth2
  • oauth2-server:

    Select oauth2-server if you are building a complete OAuth 2.0 server implementation. This library is suitable for creating your own authorization server, managing access tokens, and supporting various grant types, making it ideal for backend applications that require full control over the OAuth process.

  • simple-oauth2:

    Opt for simple-oauth2 if you want a simple and flexible library for both client and server-side OAuth 2.0 implementations. It provides a straightforward API for managing tokens and is designed to be easy to integrate into existing applications, making it a good choice for developers looking for simplicity and ease of use.

  • client-oauth2:

    Choose client-oauth2 if you need a lightweight and straightforward client-side library for handling OAuth 2.0 authorization flows. It is particularly useful for single-page applications (SPAs) where you want to manage tokens and make authenticated requests to APIs easily.

README for oauth2-server

oauth2-server

npm Version npm Downloads Test Status MIT Licensed oauthjs Slack

Complete, compliant and well tested module for implementing an OAuth2 server in Node.js.

Note: After a period of hiatus, this project is now back under active maintenance. Dependencies have been updated and bug fixes will land in v3 (current master). v4 will be mostly backwards compatible with no code changes required for users using a supported node release. More details in #621.

Installation

npm install oauth2-server

The oauth2-server module is framework-agnostic but there are several officially supported wrappers available for popular HTTP server frameworks such as Express and Koa. If you're using one of those frameworks it is strongly recommended to use the respective wrapper module instead of rolling your own.

Features

  • Supports authorization_code, client_credentials, refresh_token and password grant, as well as extension grants, with scopes.
  • Can be used with promises, Node-style callbacks, ES6 generators and async/await (using Babel).
  • Fully RFC 6749 and RFC 6750 compliant.
  • Implicitly supports any form of storage, e.g. PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, etc.
  • Complete test suite.

Documentation

Documentation is hosted on Read the Docs.

Examples

Most users should refer to our Express or Koa examples.

More examples can be found here: https://github.com/14gasher/oauth-example

Upgrading from 2.x

This module has been rewritten using a promise-based approach, introducing changes to the API and model specification. v2.x is no longer supported.

Please refer to our 3.0 migration guide for more information.

Tests

To run the test suite, install dependencies, then run npm test:

npm install
npm test