JWT
JSON Web Token
A compact signed token format commonly used to carry claims between systems.
Plain English
A portable token that systems can verify and inspect for identity or authorization information.
In context
A JWT contains encoded header payload and signature sections and is often checked during API authentication debugging expiration handling and service-to-service communication.
Example
“Decode the JWT payload and confirm whether the expiration claim has passed.”
When you'll hear this
- API authentication
- integration debugging
- session handling
Common misunderstanding
A JWT payload is encoded rather than inherently encrypted so sensitive contents may be readable even when the signature is valid.
Also known as
JSON Web TokenJWT tokensigned JWT
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-28
