Authentication (JWT)

JWT (JSON Web Token) authentication is a stateless authentication mechanism where the server issues a digitally signed token containing user identity claims after successful login. The client includes this token in subsequent requests (typically in the Authorization header), and the server verifies the signature without needing to query a session store. JWTs are self-contained, carry an expiration time, and can include custom claims like user roles and permissions. In AI applications, JWT authentication secures API endpoints, identifies users for cost tracking, and enforces per-user rate limits and token budgets.