Token-based authentication in Cypress - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is token-based authentication?

Token-based authentication is a way to verify a user by giving them a token after login. This token is used to access protected parts of an app without sending the password every time.

beginner

Why do we use tokens instead of passwords for each request?

Tokens keep passwords safe by not sending them repeatedly. They also make it easier to manage sessions and can expire to improve security.

intermediate

In Cypress, how do you store a token for later use in tests?

You can save the token in Cypress environment variables or local storage to reuse it in later requests or tests.

beginner

What is a common way to send a token in an HTTP request header?

Tokens are usually sent in the 'Authorization' header with the format: 'Bearer <token>'.

intermediate

How can you automate login using token-based authentication in Cypress?

You can write a Cypress command to request a token from the login API, save it, and then use it in headers for other API calls or UI tests.

What does a token represent in token-based authentication?

A A secret password

B An IP address

C A temporary key proving user identity

D A username

A token is a temporary key that proves the user is authenticated without sending the password each time.

Where is the token usually stored in a Cypress test for reuse?

A In environment variables or local storage

B In the test code comments

C In the browser URL

D In the HTML body

Tokens are stored in environment variables or local storage to be reused across tests.

Which HTTP header is commonly used to send the token?

A Cookie

B Content-Type

C Accept

D Authorization

The 'Authorization' header is used to send tokens, usually with the 'Bearer' prefix.

What is the main benefit of token-based authentication in testing?

A It allows tests to run faster by skipping login UI

B It removes the need for passwords in tests

C It makes tests more colorful

D It disables security

Token-based authentication lets tests skip the login UI by using tokens directly, making tests faster and more reliable.

How can you get a token in Cypress before running tests?

A By manually copying it from the browser

B By calling the login API programmatically

C By guessing it

D By refreshing the page

You get a token by calling the login API in your test code and saving the token from the response.

Explain how token-based authentication works and why it is useful in automated testing.

Think about how tokens replace passwords and help tests run smoothly.

Describe how you would implement token-based authentication in a Cypress test suite.

Focus on the steps to get, save, and use the token in tests.