Title: Firebase Auth Best Practices: getIdToken on Every Fetch or Set Cookie?
In a Next.js (React) project, Firebase Auth is commonly used for authentication. This authentication process involves obtaining an ID token from Firebase’s getIdToken() function, which is then sent to a REST API backend for verification. However, the question arises: should we fetch the latest ID token before every request or set it as a cookie? In this blog post, we will explore the best practices for handling ID tokens in a client-side data fetching scenario.
IdToken Refresh and Caching
The Firebase Authentication SDK automatically handles token refreshing in the background. The token is refreshed every hour without any intervention required from the developer. Moreover, the SDK already caches the token in local storage, so there is no need to cache it elsewhere. Attempting to cache the token yourself might lead to using an outdated and invalid token. Therefore, it is recommended to always call getIdToken() whenever you need the ID token.
Using Cookies for Server-Side Rendered (SSR) Requests
When it comes to server-side rendered (SSR) requests, cookies are commonly used to pass the ID token to the server. This is particularly useful because getIdToken() cannot be called during server-side rendering. If your application heavily relies on SSR, using cookies to store the token and send it with each request can be a suitable approach.
Client-Side Data Fetching Considerations
If your application solely relies on client-side data fetching and does not utilize SSR, using cookies to store the ID token might not be necessary. The current approach you are using—fetching the ID token before sending each request by appending it to the Authorization header—is efficient and aligned with best practices. This approach ensures that the latest token is always used for secure communication with the backend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when working with Firebase Auth in a client-side data fetching scenario, it is recommended to always call getIdToken() when you need the ID token. The Firebase Authentication SDK takes care of token refreshing and caching for you. However, if your application also involves server-side rendering, storing the ID token in a cookie and sending it with each request can be a valid alternative. Remember to consider the specific requirements of your project and choose the approach that best suits your needs.
reference :
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62573086/firebase-auth-getidtoken-on-every-fetch-or-set-cookie
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