Secure User Authentication with Node.js, Express, JWT, and Nodemailer

This project demonstrates a comprehensive user authentication system built using Node.js, Express.js, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), and Nodemailer. It encompasses user registration, secure API access with JWT authentication, and a password reset mechanism using Nodemailer.

Prerequisites

To embark on this project, ensure you have the following prerequisites installed:

• Node.js (v16.17 or higher)
• npm
• MongoDB (optional, for persistent data storage)

Installation and Setup

Step 1: Install Node Modules

Navigate to the project directory and install the required dependencies using npm:

npm install

Step 2: Run the Application

Launch the secure user authentication application using the following command:

npm run start

Understanding the System

The user authentication system comprises the following components:

1. User Registration: Users can register their accounts by providing their credentials. The system securely hashes and stores passwords to protect user data.

2. Secure API Access: Upon successful login, users receive a JWT token that grants them access to protected API endpoints. The system verifies the validity of the JWT token before authorizing access.

3. Password Reset: Users can initiate a password reset process by providing their registered email address. The system generates a password reset token and sends it to the user's email via Nodemailer. By clicking the link in the email, users can set a new password.

Contributions

Contributions to this project are welcome. Feel free to fork the repository, implement your enhancements, and submit a pull request.