Authentication refers to the process of confirming identity. While often used interchangeably with authorization, authentication represents a fundamentally different function.
In authentication, a user or application proves they are who they say they are by providing valid credentials for verification. Authentication is often proved through a username and password.
Application Authentication Flows
OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 is used to authenticate users and verify their identity.
Application authentication must follow one of these supported flows:
Authorization Code Flow
See also: Authorization Code Grant
Resource Owner Flow
See also: Resource Owner Password Credentials Exchange