JWT Libraries Directory
Discover 1000+ JWT libraries for JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, PHP, Go, Ruby, and 50+ programming languages. Find secure, well-maintained JWT implementations with GitHub statistics, documentation, and installation guides.
Our comprehensive JWT libraries directory helps developers choose the right JSON Web Token implementation for their projects. Each library is carefully curated with detailed information about maintainers, GitHub stars, version compatibility, and security features.
What are JWT Libraries?
JWT (JSON Web Token) libraries are essential tools that provide secure authentication and authorization mechanisms for modern web applications. These libraries implement the JWT standard (RFC 7519) across different programming languages, enabling developers to create, verify, and manage JSON Web Tokens efficiently. Whether you're building REST APIs, microservices, or single-page applications, choosing the right JWT library is crucial for implementing secure token-based authentication. You can test and validate your JWT tokens using our JWT Validator tool.
Our comprehensive JWT libraries directory contains implementations for over 50 programming languages, including popular choices like JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Java, C#, PHP, Go, Ruby, Rust, Swift, and many more. Each library offers unique features such as different signing algorithms (HMAC-SHA256, RSA-SHA256, ECDSA), token validation, claims management, expiration handling, and security best practices. For generating cryptographically secure JWT secrets, check out our JWT Secret Generator and RSA/EC Key Generator.
These JWT libraries support various use cases including OAuth 2.0 flows, OpenID Connect implementations, API authentication, session management, and stateless authentication systems. Many libraries also provide additional features like automatic token refresh, middleware integration, and compatibility with popular frameworks such as Express.js, Django, Spring Boot, Laravel, and ASP.NET Core.
Popular JWT Libraries by Programming Language
JavaScript & Node.js JWT Libraries
- • jsonwebtoken - Most popular Node.js JWT library
- • jose - Modern JWT library with full spec support
- • jwt-simple - Lightweight JWT encoding/decoding
- • @auth0/angular-jwt - Angular JWT integration
Python JWT Libraries
- • PyJWT - Comprehensive Python JWT library
- • python-jose - JOSE implementation for Python
- • authlib - OAuth and JWT library
- • django-rest-framework-jwt - Django integration
Java JWT Libraries
- • java-jwt - Auth0's Java JWT library
- • jjwt - Java JWT library by Okta
- • nimbus-jose-jwt - Comprehensive JOSE library
- • spring-security-jwt - Spring Security integration
C# .NET JWT Libraries
- • System.IdentityModel.Tokens.Jwt - Microsoft's official library
- • JWT - Popular .NET JWT library
- • IdentityServer4 - Complete identity solution
- • AspNet.Security.OAuth.Providers - OAuth providers
PHP JWT Libraries
- • firebase/php-jwt - Most popular PHP JWT library
- • lcobucci/jwt - Feature-rich PHP JWT library
- • lexik/jwt-authentication-bundle - Symfony integration
- • tymon/jwt-auth - Laravel JWT authentication
Go JWT Libraries
- • golang-jwt/jwt - Popular Go JWT library
- • dgrijalva/jwt-go - Legacy but widely used
- • lestrrat-go/jwx - Comprehensive JOSE library
- • gin-jwt - Gin framework integration
How to Choose the Right JWT Library
Key Selection Criteria
- • Security: Regular updates and vulnerability patches
- • Performance: Efficient token generation and validation
- • Standards Compliance: Full RFC 7519 implementation
- • Algorithm Support: HMAC, RSA, ECDSA signing methods
- • Community: Active maintenance and documentation
- • Framework Integration: Compatibility with your tech stack
Security Best Practices
- • Use strong, randomly generated secrets with our RSA/EC Key Generator
- • Implement proper token expiration and refresh mechanisms
- • Validate all token claims and signatures thoroughly
- • Store secrets securely using environment variables
- • Use HTTPS for all token transmissions
- • Generate secure secrets with our JWT Secret Generator
- • Test your tokens with our JWT Validator
JWT Library Performance and Security Considerations
Performance Optimization
- • Token Caching: Implement token caching to reduce verification overhead
- • Algorithm Selection: Choose appropriate signing algorithms based on performance needs
- • Payload Size: Keep JWT payloads minimal to reduce network overhead
- • Async Operations: Use asynchronous token operations for better scalability
- • Connection Pooling: Optimize database connections for token storage
Security Best Practices
- • Secret Rotation: Regularly rotate JWT signing secrets
- • Token Expiration: Set appropriate expiration times for different use cases
- • Secure Storage: Never store sensitive data in JWT payloads
- • HTTPS Only: Always transmit JWTs over secure connections
- • Input Validation: Validate all claims and user inputs
Common JWT Implementation Patterns
Short-lived access tokens with longer-lived refresh tokens for enhanced security
Self-contained tokens that don't require server-side session storage
Distributed authentication across multiple services using shared secrets
Browse JWT Libraries by Programming Language
Explore our curated collection of 109 JWT libraries across 37 programming languages
Frequently Asked Questions about JWT Libraries
Which JWT library should I choose for my project?
Choose based on your programming language, security requirements, and performance needs. Popular choices include 'jsonwebtoken' for Node.js, 'PyJWT' for Python, 'java-jwt' for Java, and 'System.IdentityModel.Tokens.Jwt' for .NET. Consider factors like community support, documentation quality, and regular security updates.
Are all JWT libraries secure by default?
Not all JWT libraries are equally secure. Look for libraries that enforce secure defaults, support strong signing algorithms (avoid 'none' algorithm), validate tokens properly, and receive regular security updates. Always use the latest versions and follow security best practices.
What's the difference between JWT libraries and OAuth libraries?
JWT libraries focus specifically on creating, signing, and verifying JSON Web Tokens. OAuth libraries provide complete authentication flows and often use JWT as the token format. Some libraries like 'authlib' (Python) and 'passport' (Node.js) combine both JWT and OAuth functionality.
How often should I update my JWT library dependencies?
Regularly update JWT libraries to get security patches and bug fixes. Monitor security advisories for your chosen libraries, and consider using automated dependency update tools like Dependabot or Renovate to stay current with the latest versions.
JWT Library Installation and Usage Examples
Quick Installation Commands
npm install jsonwebtokenpip install PyJWT<dependency>\n <groupId>com.auth0</groupId>\n <artifactId>java-jwt</artifactId>\n</dependency>composer require firebase/php-jwtFramework Integrations
- • Express.js: express-jwt, passport-jwt
- • Django: djangorestframework-jwt, django-rest-framework-simplejwt
- • Spring Boot: spring-security-jwt, jjwt
- • Laravel: tymon/jwt-auth, firebase/php-jwt
- • ASP.NET Core: Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.JwtBearer
- • Ruby on Rails: jwt gem, devise-jwt
- • Gin (Go): golang-jwt/jwt, gin-jwt
Related JWT Tools & Resources
Enhance your JWT development workflow with our comprehensive suite of security tools
JWT Secret Generator
Generate cryptographically secure secrets for HMAC-based JWT signing
Generate SecretJWT Validator
Validate, decode, and verify JWT tokens with detailed error reporting
Validate JWTRSA/EC Key Generator
Generate RSA and Elliptic Curve key pairs for asymmetric JWT signing
Generate KeysJWT Encoder
Create and encode JWT tokens with custom claims and signatures
Encode JWTHash Generator
Generate secure hashes using SHA-256, SHA-512, and other algorithms
Generate HashJWT Handbook
Complete guide to JWT implementation, security, and best practices
Read Guide