Dedicated Endpoint and Service

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 80 views

Access Token for External Applications: Enabling Automation and Fine-Grained Access Control

In today's digital landscape, automation and integration are key to streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. The Research Software Directory (RSD) is a valuable resource for researchers and developers, providing a centralized platform for discovering, sharing, and promoting research software. However, to fully leverage the RSD's potential, users require a secure and efficient way to access and manipulate data programmatically. This is where access tokens come into play. In this article, we will explore the concept of access tokens for external applications, their benefits, and the proposed solutions for implementing them in the RSD.

In theory, the RSD API can be used to push data in an automated way, such as through Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines. However, the token required for this purpose can only be obtained via interaction with an Identity Provider (IDP), which necessitates manual intervention. To overcome this limitation and enable full automation, RSD users should be able to create API access tokens that they can use in other applications. These tokens should be valid for a specified amount of time (e.g., one year) and allow users to revoke the access token as needed.

The API access token could be either universal or more fine-grained, depending on the user's requirements. A universal token would grant write access to all software, projects, and organizations where the user is a registered maintainer. On the other hand, a more fine-grained token would provide write access only for specific software, offering greater control and flexibility.

We have discussed two potential options for implementing access tokens in the RSD:

Access via JWT

This approach involves creating an API endpoint that accepts a "user access token" and returns a short-lived (e.g., 5-minute) JSON Web Token (JWT). The benefits of this solution include:

Full API availability: Users can access the entire RSD API, enabling seamless integration with other applications.
Security: JWTs are a secure and widely adopted standard for token-based authentication.

However, this solution also has some limitations:

Short-lived tokens: The JWTs are only valid for a short period, which may require frequent token renewal.
Additional infrastructure: Implementing an API endpoint and managing JWTs may require additional infrastructure and maintenance.

Dedicated Endpoint and Service

This approach involves creating a dedicated service with dedicated endpoints that accept the access token as input. This solution has several advantages:

Fine-grained access control: Users can specify the level of access they require, ensuring that sensitive data is protected.
Reusability: Other metadata formats, such as codemeta or rocrate, could be reused, providing a more comprehensive coverage of RSD data.

However, this solution also has some limitations:

Additional complexity: Implementing a dedicated service and managing access tokens may add complexity to the RSD infrastructure.
Scalability: The dedicated service may require additional resources to handle increased traffic and demand.

Access tokens are a crucial component of the RSD's API, enabling users to access and manipulate data programmatically. By implementing access tokens, users can automate workflows, integrate with other applications, and enhance their overall experience. The proposed solutions, access via JWT and dedicated endpoint and service, offer different trade-offs between security, flexibility, and complexity. Ultimately, the choice of solution will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the RSD and its users.

To further develop the concept of access tokens for external applications, the following steps can be taken:

Implement a proof-of-concept: Develop a working prototype of the access token system to demonstrate its feasibility and potential.
Gather user feedback: Engage with RSD users to gather feedback and requirements for the access token system.
Refine the solution: Based on user feedback and technical considerations, refine the access token system to ensure it meets the needs of RSD users.

By following this roadmap, the RSD can provide a secure, efficient, and flexible access token system that enables users to unlock the full potential of the platform.
Access Token for External Applications: Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the concept of access tokens for external applications and proposed two potential solutions for implementing them in the Research Software Directory (RSD). To further clarify the benefits and requirements of access tokens, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers.

Q: What is an access token?

A: An access token is a secure, unique identifier that allows users to access and manipulate data programmatically. It is typically used in conjunction with an API to authenticate and authorize requests.

Q: Why do I need an access token?

A: You need an access token to access the RSD API programmatically, without requiring manual intervention. This enables automation, integration, and seamless workflows.

Q: How do I obtain an access token?

A: You can obtain an access token by interacting with the RSD IDP or by creating a dedicated service with dedicated endpoints that accept the access token as input.

Q: What are the benefits of access tokens?

A: Access tokens offer several benefits, including:

Automation: Access tokens enable automation of workflows and tasks.
Integration: Access tokens facilitate integration with other applications and services.
Security: Access tokens provide a secure way to authenticate and authorize requests.
Flexibility: Access tokens can be fine-grained, allowing users to specify the level of access they require.

Q: What are the limitations of access tokens?

A: Access tokens have some limitations, including:

Short-lived tokens: Some access tokens may be short-lived, requiring frequent renewal.
Additional infrastructure: Implementing an access token system may require additional infrastructure and maintenance.
Complexity: Access tokens can add complexity to the RSD infrastructure.

Q: How do I revoke an access token?

A: You can revoke an access token by interacting with the RSD IDP or by using the dedicated service with dedicated endpoints.

Q: Can I use access tokens with other metadata formats?

A: Yes, you can use access tokens with other metadata formats, such as codemeta or rocrate, to provide a more comprehensive coverage of RSD data.

Q: How do I choose the right access token solution?

A: You should choose the access token solution that best meets your requirements and constraints. Consider factors such as security, flexibility, and complexity when making your decision.

Q: What is the future of access tokens in the RSD?

A: The RSD is committed to developing and refining the access token system to meet the evolving needs of its users. We will continue to gather feedback and requirements to ensure that the access token system is secure, efficient, and flexible.

Access tokens are a crucial component of the RSD's API, enabling users to access and manipulate data programmatically. By understanding the benefits and limitations of access tokens, users can make informed decisions about how to implement them in their workflows. We hope this Q&A article has provided valuable insights into the world of access tokens and has helped to clarify any questions you may have had.