Mastering Authentication with Node.js: Build a To-Do App with Passport.js

Introduction

Authentication is a key part of most web applications, allowing users to create accounts, log in, and securely manage their data. In this blog, you’ll build a simple To-Do Application using Node.js, with Passport.js for authentication, and an in-memory database to keep things straightforward. By the end, you’ll understand how registration, login, and session management work in real-world applications.

Application Overview

The application has the following features:

1. User Registration.
2. User Login.
3. Adding Tasks.
4. Viewing Tasks.
5. Deleting Tasks.
6. Logging Out.

Authentication Flow Explained

1. User Registration:
   - The user submits their username and password.
   - The server checks if the username already exists.
   - If it doesn’t, the new user is added to the database.
2. Login:
   - The user submits their username and password.
   - The server validates the credentials using Passport.js.
   - On success, a session is created to keep the user logged in.
3. Protected Routes:
   - Tasks-related…