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Discover how to effectively describe the security schema of your API endpoints using Google’s OpenId with OAS3. Learn the right approach and structure for clear documentation.
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How to Describe OpenID Security Schema in OAS3 Spec Using Google’s OpenId

When developing a secure application, setting up proper authentication and authorization is crucial. If you're using Google's OpenID for your project, you might find yourself wondering how to appropriately describe the security schema of your API endpoints in your OpenAPI Specification (OAS3). This post will walk you through this process, clarifying how to specify both OpenID and OAuth2 in your API documentation.

Understanding the Problem

You may have a scenario where your application utilizes the Authorization Code flow with PKCE as defined by OpenID. After a user is authenticated, your application sends an access token to authenticate with your backend server, along with an ID token to retrieve the user's data. What's more, you may need the backend server to authenticate itself to Google's servers using the Client Credentials flow to retrieve data on behalf of the user.

This raises the question: How should you specify all these details in your OAS3 spec? Should the endpoint reflect both OpenID and OAuth2?

Breaking Down the Solution

1. Focus on Client’s View

In OAS3, it is essential to address the API from the client’s perspective rather than internal mechanics. Your documentation should primarily indicate that the API employs bearer tokens and is secured via OAuth 2.0, without getting bogged down in the internal implementation details.

Here’s a simple representation:

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2. Single Bearer Token Requirement

Indicating that your API requires a bearer token is often sufficient. You can clarify that OAuth 2.0 is in use, which encompasses a multitude of flows including the one applicable for your application.

3. Documenting Authentication Flows

Although the specific implementation details might not belong in the API spec, it’s beneficial to create a separate document summarizing client-side authentication flows. This could include:

Authorization Code Flow (PKCE): for web UIs.

Resource Owner Password Credentials Grant: for automated testing or simpler client applications.

4. Getting Started Guide

Consider including an overview in a 'Getting Started' guide. This guide should:

Provide clarity on how clients can connect to your API.

Discuss aspects like token expiry and error handling.

Address different environments that clients may encounter.

5. Comprehensive Documentation Strategy

In my experience, maintaining both the API spec and a separate getting started guide is effective. It allows clients to understand necessary authentication without being overly reliant on tools that might not present the information clearly, like Swagger UI.

Conclusion

By following these structured steps, you can effectively document the security schemas of your API endpoints using Google’s OpenID in OAS3. Remember to focus on the client’s perspective and create additional resources for comprehensive understanding. This systematic documentation approach will enhance clarity and usability for your application users.

By keeping your documentation well-organized and straightforward, you ensure that both developers and end-users can successfully engage with your API, understanding the necessary security measures involved.