How to Verify WordPress Login Status Using JWT Authentication

What is JWT Authentication?

Let’s start with a brief explanation of JWT. JWT is a standard token used to securely exchange authentication information between a client and a server. It allows users to maintain a continuous authenticated state after a one-time login. In simpler terms, once you log in, you can navigate around the site while staying logged in.

Checking Login Status: Simple Implementation with Code

By using JWT authentication in WordPress, you can check login status with just a few lines of code. All you need is the user’s JWT token. Below is a simple example of how to check a user’s login status:

import axios from 'axios';

const checkLoginStatus = async () => {
  const token = localStorage.getItem('token');
  
  if (!token) {
    return false; // If there's no token, treat it as a non-logged-in state
  }

  try {
    const response = await axios.post('https://your-wordpress-site.com/wp-json/jwt-auth/v1/token/validate', null, {
      headers: {
        Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`
      }
    });

    return response.data.data.status === 200;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Login status check error:', error);
    return false; // If the token is invalid or an error occurs, treat it as a non-logged-in state
  }
};

As you can see, this code retrieves the JWT token from `localStorage` and sends a validation request to the WordPress server. The server verifies if the token is valid, and if so, confirms that the user is logged in. It’s a simple yet powerful function!

Why Use LocalStorage to Store Tokens?

Storing JWT tokens in `localStorage` is a common practice. The reason is straightforward: to maintain the user’s authenticated state. For instance, if a user refreshes the site or closes and reopens the browser, this method helps keep them logged in.

However, there is an important point to consider here. While `localStorage` has the advantage of persisting even when the browser is closed, it also requires caution in terms of security. There is a risk of the token being stolen through XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks. Therefore, if possible, consider using HTTP-only cookies. HTTP-only cookies are much more secure since they are inaccessible from the client side.

Conclusion: Secure Yet Simple Maintenance

Checking WordPress login status with JWT is a very simple and effective method. However, security considerations are crucial. When using `localStorage`, always keep potential security risks in mind, and consider safer alternatives if available.

Now, manage the login status of your WordPress site securely and effortlessly. Your site will become more user-friendly and trustworthy.