Programming in general, and C programming in particular, continue to be vital skills for professionals in a wide range of industries in 2023 and beyond and today we will explore Top 10 Free Online IDEs for C Programming in 2023.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the ability to write efficient, high-quality code is more important than ever.

C, a general-purpose programming language that was first developed in the 1970s, remains a popular choice for systems programming and embedded systems, as well as being a foundational language for many others.

C's flexibility and low-level access to memory makes it a powerful choice for many applications, especially in the field of IoT, and its continued use in the development of operating systems and other systems software ensures that the demand for C programmers will remain strong in the coming years.

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are an important tool for C programmers in 2023 and beyond.

What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environments)​

An IDE is a software application that provides a comprehensive environment for software development, including features such as code editing, debugging, and project management. IDEs for C programming typically include features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking, making it easier for programmers to write, test, and debug their code.

Additionally, many IDEs also provide tools for managing project dependencies and building and deploying applications. With the help of IDEs, C programmers can improve their productivity and write more efficient, high-quality code, which is especially important as the complexity of software development continues to increase.

Cloud based IDE (Online IDE)​

A cloud-based IDE is an Integrated Development Environment that is hosted on remote servers and accessed over the internet through a web browser. Instead of installing and running software on a local machine, cloud-based IDEs provide a way for developers to write, test, and debug code from anywhere, on any device that has an internet connection.

IDEs have moved to the cloud to provide accessibility, collaboration, scalability, cost savings, cross-platform compatibility, and automatic updates.

Top 3 Free Online IDEs for C Programming​

1. Visual Studio Code (Github Codespaces)​

Visual Studio Code is a popular, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It supports a wide range of programming languages, including C. It has built-in debugging capabilities, code completion, and integrated support for Git and other version control systems.

GitHub Codespaces is a feature that allows users to develop and debug code directly within GitHub. It uses Visual Studio Code as the editor and provides a seamless, cloud-based development experience. With GitHub Codespaces, developers can easily collaborate on projects, test code changes, and debug issues directly within the GitHub interface.

Visual Studio Code has several extensions available that add support for C programming. These extensions provide features such as syntax highlighting, code snippets, and debugging capabilities. Developers can also use the integrated terminal to run and debug C code. Additionally, GitHub Codespaces supports C development with the ability to run and debug programs, with the ability to easily share development environment with others.

Some of the most popular Visual Studio Code extensions for C programming are:

• C/C++: This extension provides IntelliSense, debugging, and code browsing for C and C++ code. It also includes support for CMake, the popular open-source build system.

• C++ IntelliSense: This extension provides IntelliSense for C++, including code completion, signature help, and hover information.

• C++ extension for Visual Studio Code: This extension provides IntelliSense, debugging, and code browsing for C++ code, with support for CMake and other build systems.

• C/C++ Compile Run: This extension allows you to compile and run C/C++ code directly in the editor, without the need to switch to a terminal.

• Code Runner: This extension allows you to run code in multiple languages, including C, directly in the editor.

2. AWS Cloud9 - Online IDE​

AWS Cloud9 is another integrated development environment (IDE) that runs in the cloud and provides a web-based code editor. It also supports a wide range of programming languages, including C. With Cloud9, developers can easily create, run, and debug code, collaborate with others, and access a cloud-based development environment from anywhere.

Cloud9 provides a built-in terminal, allowing developers to run and debug C code. It also provides support for CMake and GCC, which are commonly used to build C programs. Additionally, it has support for version control systems like Git.

Cloud9 also provides a number of features for development in a team environment, such as the ability for multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, and the ability to share and collaborate on development environments.

Cloud9 also provides a feature called "AWS Cloud9 IDE for IoT" which is a web-based IDE that makes it easy to write, run, and debug IoT applications written in C. This feature is specifically optimized for IoT development and provides you with a development environment that includes libraries, build tools, and debuggers for embedded devices and microcontrollers.

Repl.it Online IDE​

Repl.it is yet another online IDE that is a good candidate for online C programming.

It provides a web-based code editor, a built-in terminal, and support for popular libraries and frameworks such as GCC.

Additionally, it includes debugging capabilities, making it easy to identify and fix errors in your code.

Also, it allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, and the ability to share and collaborate on development environments.

These features make it a great choice for online C programming, as it allows developers to easily write, run, and debug C code, and collaborate with others, without the need for a local development environment.

It is also a cross-platform and doesn't require any setup, making it easy to access from anywhere.

As a beginner in the world of programming, it can be overwhelming to try and find the right set Books to Learn C Programming in 2023. There are so many options available, and it can be difficult to know which ones are the most helpful and which ones are a waste of time.

This can be especially true if you are just a beginner and don't have much experience with programming in general. It's important to choose a book that is well-written and easy to understand, with clear explanations and helpful exercises that will guide you through your learning process.

As a seasoned C programmer with more than 15 years of experience, I have a very good understanding of what it takes to learn this powerful language. I am here to recommend the best books on C programming for beginners, taking into account factors such as the clarity of the explanations, the quality of the exercises, and the overall effectiveness of the teaching approach.

My recommendations will give you a strong foundation in C programming and set you up for success as you continue to learn and grow in your skills in 2023 and beyond.

Learning to program in C can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's a language that is widely used in a variety of fields, including systems programming, embedded systems, and scientific computing. With the right book and the right approach, you can learn the basics of C programming and start building your skills and knowledge in this exciting and in-demand field.

Whether you are just a beginner or have some programming experience under your belt, I am confident that my recommendations will help you find the right book to get you started on your C programming journey.

10 Best Books to Learn C Programming for Beginners & Experts​

1. The C Programming Language​

By Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

"The C Programming Language" is a classic book that was first published in 1978. Written by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, the book provides a detailed introduction to the C programming language, which is one of the most widely-used programming languages today. It covers the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics such as pointer, memory management, and the standard library. The book is known for its clear and concise writing style, making it an excellent resource for both novice and experienced programmers. It's considered the de-facto guide to the C Programming Language.

2. C Primer Plus​

By Stephen Prata

"C Primer Plus" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by Stephen Prata. The book is intended for both novice and experienced programmers, and covers the fundamentals of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics such as memory management, file input and output, and the standard library. The book also includes a thorough introduction to the C++ programming language and its features, also provide a great deal of practical exercises to practice the reader understanding. It's a great source for those who want to learn C and C++ with a progressive approach.

3. Programming in C​

By Stephen Kochan

"Programming in C" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Stephen Kochan. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions. It also covers more advanced topics like pointer and memory management, as well as the standard library, with a gradual progression, easy to understand writing style and plenty of examples to illustrate the concepts. The book is well-suited for those who are new to programming and wish to learn C programming quickly.

4. C How to Program​

By Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel

"C How to Program" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel. The book covers the fundamentals of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics like memory management and the standard library. The book also includes a detailed introduction to object-oriented programming, practical examples and exercises throughout the book. It's an excellent resource for both novice and experienced programmers who want to master C programming.

5. C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide​

By Greg Perry

"C Programming Absolute Beginner's Guide" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Greg Perry. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming with easy to follow instructions and examples, covering concepts such as data types, operators, control structures, and functions. It is aimed at complete beginners who want to learn programming and specifically C programming with a practical hands-on approach. The book also includes exercises and quizzes to help the readers to solidify their understanding.

6. C Programming for the Absolute Beginner​

By Michael Vine

"C Programming for the Absolute Beginner" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Michael Vine. The book is aimed at people who are new to programming and wish to learn the C language quickly and easily. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, including data types, operators, control structures, and functions, with a hands-on approach, featuring examples and exercises to help readers solidify their understanding. It's a great resource to learn C programming if you are starting from scratch.

7. C in Depth​

By S. K. Srivastava and J. P. Srivastava

"C in Depth" is an advanced guide to the C programming language written by S. K. Srivastava and J. P. Srivastava. The book covers the more advanced and less common aspects of C programming language, with a focus on the depth of understanding. It's not aimed for beginners, but for experienced programmers looking to expand their understanding of the C language, diving into the intricacies and nuances of the language, as well as its features and functionality. The book covers topics like memory management, preprocessor directives, concurrency, and low-level programming, among other things.

8. C Programming, A Modern Approach​

By K. N. King

"C Programming, A Modern Approach" is a comprehensive guide to the C programming language written by K. N. King. The book is designed as an introduction to the C programming language for students and professionals, covers the basics of C programming as well as advanced topics, such as memory management, concurrency, and low-level programming.

The book presents the material in a clear, easy-to-understand manner and includes plenty of examples and exercises to help readers solidify their understanding. The approach is modern, meaning that the book covers the recent standard of the C programming language and the new features that are available. It's considered a great resource for anyone who wants to learn C programming in a modern and effective way.

9. C for Dummies​

By Dan Gookin

"C for Dummies" is a beginner-friendly guide to the C programming language written by Dan Gookin. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of C programming, with a light and easy-to-understand writing style and a step-by-step approach. It covers topics such as data types, operators, control structures, and functions, aimed to make learning C programming as easy and accessible as possible, it uses plenty of examples and analogy to make the learning process fun and smooth. The book is well-suited for those who are new to programming or have no experience in C and want to get started quickly.

10. C Unleashed​

By Richard Heathfield

"C Unleashed" is an advanced guide to the C programming language written by Richard Heathfield. The book provides in-depth coverage of C language, with a focus on the advanced features and the intricacies of the language.

It is intended for experienced C programmers who wish to deepen their understanding of the language and its use in systems programming, with a coverage of advanced topics such as memory management, concurrency, low-level system programming, and advanced data structures. The book is considered a comprehensive resource for those who want to take their C programming skills to the next level.

Few more book recommendations for learning C programming​

Apart from my top 10 recommendations, here are a few more options to consider as you continue your journey to mastering this powerful language.

C: A Reference Manual​

By Samuel P. Harbison and Guy L. Steele Jr.

This book is a comprehensive reference guide to the C programming language. It covers all of the standard C language features and is suitable for experienced programmers looking for a detailed reference.

C Programming for Scientists​

By John W. Carter

This book is geared towards scientists and engineers who want to learn C for their work. It covers the basics of C programming and also includes chapters on scientific computing and engineering applications.

C by Example​

By Neil Rhodes and Peter H. Salzman

This book is suitable for beginners and takes a hands-on approach to learning, with plenty of examples and exercises to help you practice your skills. It covers the basics of C programming and also includes chapters on data types, control structures, and functions.

What is Unit Testing​

Unit testing is a type of software testing that verifies the functionality of individual units or components of a software application. A unit is the smallest testable part of an application, such as a function or a class.

Unit tests are typically written by developers as they are writing code, and are used to validate that the code is functioning as expected. They are designed to test the functionality of a unit in isolation, without considering the rest of the application.

Unit tests are usually automated and can be run quickly and frequently, making them an effective way to catch defects early in the development process. They are also useful for regression testing, to ensure that changes to the code do not introduce new defects.

Unit testing can help to improve the overall quality and reliability of an application by identifying and fixing defects early on in the development process. It can also help to improve code maintainability, as it can make it easier to identify and fix defects in the future.

Benefits of Unit testing​

There are several benefits to unit testing:

• Identify defects early: Unit tests can help to identify defects early in the development process, making it easier and less costly to fix them.

• Improve code quality: By writing unit tests, developers can ensure that their code is functioning as expected and meets the specified requirements. This can improve the overall quality and reliability of the application.

• Facilitate change: Unit tests provide a safety net that can make it easier to make changes to the code without breaking existing functionality. This can improve code maintainability and make it easier to add new features to the application.

• Improve design: Writing unit tests can help developers to think more carefully about the design of their code, as they need to consider how to test it effectively. This can lead to better-designed, more modular code.

• Increase confidence: Unit tests provide confidence that the code is working correctly, which can be especially important when working on large, complex applications.

• Improve team communication: Unit tests can serve as documentation for the code, helping team members to understand how it works and how to use it. This can improve communication within the team.

What is Integration Testing​

Integration testing is a type of software testing that verifies the integration and interaction between multiple units or components of a software application. It is typically performed after unit testing and focuses on testing the integration between different units or components, rather than testing them in isolation.

Integration tests are used to ensure that the various units or components of an application work together as expected. This can involve testing the integration between different modules or subsystems, or between a front-end interface and a back-end database.

Integration testing can be approached using either black box or white box testing techniques, depending on the focus of the testing. Black box testing involves testing the integration between units or components without considering their internal implementation, while white box testing involves testing the integration while considering the internal implementation.

Integration testing is an important step in the software development process, as it helps to uncover issues that may not be detected by unit testing alone. It can help to improve the overall quality and reliability of an application by identifying and fixing defects that may not have been detected during unit testing.

Benefits of Integration Testing​

There are several benefits to integration testing:

• Uncover defects: Integration testing can help to uncover defects that may not be detected by unit testing alone. This is because it tests the integration and interaction between multiple units or components, rather than testing them in isolation.

• Improve reliability: By identifying and fixing defects early in the development process, integration testing can help to improve the overall reliability of the application.

• Validate functionality: Integration testing can help to validate that the various units or components of an application are functioning as expected when integrated together.

• Improve design: Integration testing can help to identify issues with the design of an application, such as dependencies between units or components that may not have been apparent during unit testing. This can help to improve the overall design of the application.

• Facilitate change: Integration testing can provide a safety net that makes it easier to make changes to the code without breaking existing functionality. This can improve code maintainability and make it easier to add new features to the application.

Overall, integration testing is an important step in the software development process that can help to improve the quality and reliability of an application. It is particularly useful for uncovering defects that may not be detected by unit testing alone, and can help to validate the functionality of an application when multiple units or components are integrated together.

Comparison of unit testing and integration testing​

Here is a comparison of unit testing and integration testing:

It's worth noting that both unit testing and integration testing are important steps in the software development process, and both serve different purposes. Unit testing helps to ensure the correctness of individual units or components, while integration testing helps to verify the integration and interaction between multiple units or components. Both approaches can help to identify and fix defects in the software, improving the overall quality and reliability of the application.

What is User Authentication​

User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user. It is a common security measure that is used to protect systems and resources from unauthorized access. When a user tries to access a protected resource, they are prompted to provide their login credentials, which are verified by the system before granting access.

For Example:

In the context of a website, User authentication is a way to make sure that only the right people can access certain parts of a website. When someone tries to go to a part of the website that is protected, they are asked to provide their login information, like a username and password. The website checks this information to make sure it is correct, and if it is, the website grants access to the protected space of the website.

Why Is the User Authentication Important?​

User authentication is important because it helps to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive or confidential information, and it helps to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of resources. Without proper authentication, anyone could potentially access restricted resources and cause harm or damage.

User authentication also helps to protect against security threats such as identity theft, data breaches, and phishing attacks. It helps to ensure that only trusted users have access to sensitive information, which can reduce the risk of data leaks and other security incidents.

In addition, user authentication is often required by law or industry regulations to protect sensitive data, such as personal information or financial records. This can help to ensure compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations, and to avoid legal consequences for non-compliance.

Overall, user authentication is a crucial security measure that helps to protect systems and resources from unauthorized access and misuse.

Most Common User Authentication Methods​

There are several methods that can be used to authenticate users. Some common methods include:

Basic authentication​

Basic authentication is a simple form of user authentication that is commonly used in HTTP, the protocol used to transfer data on the web. It is based on the premise that the client sends the server a username and password, and the server verifies the credentials and grants access if they are correct.

In basic authentication, the client sends an HTTP request to the server, and the server responds with an HTTP 401 Unauthorized status code, indicating that the client needs to authenticate in order to access the requested resource. The server also includes a "WWW-Authenticate" header in the response, which specifies the authentication method and realm (i.e., the protected area of the server).

The client then prompts the user for their username and password and resends the request with an "Authorization" header, which contains the base64-encoded credentials in the format "username:password". The server receives the request and decodes the credentials from the header and verifies them against a database of registered users. If the credentials are correct, the server grants the user access to the protected resource and returns an HTTP 200 OK status code. If the credentials are incorrect, the server returns an HTTP 401 Unauthorized status code and may prompt the user to try again or may lock the account after a certain number of failed login attempts.

Basic authentication is simple to implement and works well in environments where the client and server are trusted and communication is secure. However, it has several security limitations, such as the transmission of unencrypted credentials over the network and the lack of support for stronger forms of authentication. As a result, it is not suitable for all applications and is often used in combination with other forms of authentication, such as SSL/TLS encryption or two-factor authentication (2FA).

Overall, basic authentication is a basic but widely used method of user authentication that is suitable for certain use cases, but it is important to consider its security limitations and to use it in combination with other forms of authentication in order to provide a higher level of security.

Password-based authentication​

Password-based authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity by requiring them to provide a password. It is one of the most commonly used methods of user authentication, and it is often used in combination with other forms of authentication, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). In a password-based authentication system, the user is required to provide a valid username and password in order to access a protected resource.

The server verifies the credentials by checking them against a database of registered users and their associated passwords. If the credentials are correct, the server grants the user access to the protected resource. If the credentials are incorrect, the server denies access and may prompt the user to try again or may lock the account after a certain number of failed login attempts.

In a password-based authentication system, the user is required to provide a valid username and password in order to access a protected resource. The server verifies the credentials by checking them against a database of registered users and their associated passwords. If the credentials are correct, the server grants the user access to the protected resource. If the credentials are incorrect, the server denies access and may prompt the user to try again or may lock the account after a certain number of failed login attempts.

Benefits of Password-based authentication​

• Easy to implement: Password-based authentication is simple to set up and does not require any additional hardware or software.

• Widely supported: Most systems and applications support password-based authentication, making it a widely available and flexible option.

• Familiar to users: Password-based authentication is familiar to most users, making it easy for them to understand and use.

Drawbacks of Password-based authentication​

• Risk of password cracking: Passwords can be guessed, stolen, or cracked, which can compromise the security of the system.

• Weak passwords: Users may choose weak passwords or reuse the same password for multiple accounts, which increases the risk of unauthorized access.

• Risk of password transmission: Passwords may be transmitted in unencrypted form over the network, which can expose them to interception.

• Password reset: Users may forget their passwords, requiring a password reset process, which can be inconvenient and may create security risks.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)​

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method of user authentication that requires the user to provide two different authentication factors in order to access a protected resource. It is designed to provide an additional layer of security by making it more difficult for an attacker to gain access. 2FA is commonly used in combination with password-based authentication, and it is widely supported by systems and applications.

Benefits of Two-factor authentication (2FA)​

• Improved security: 2FA provides an additional layer of security by requiring the user to provide two different authentication factors. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, especially in cases where the password may be weak or compromised.

• Widely supported: 2FA is widely supported by systems and applications, making it a widely available and flexible option.

• Familiar to users: 2FA is becoming increasingly common, and many users are familiar with the process of providing a second authentication factor, such as a code sent to their phone.

• Customizable: 2FA can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different authentication factors or by requiring 2FA only for certain types of transactions.

• Compliance: Some industries or regulatory frameworks may require the use of 2FA in order to meet security standards or compliance requirements.

Drawbacks of Two-factor authentication (2FA)​

• Dependence on second factor: 2FA relies on the availability and reliability of the second authentication factor, such as a phone or security token. If the second factor is unavailable or not functioning properly, the user may be unable to access the protected resource.

• User inconvenience: 2FA may be inconvenient for users, especially if they need to provide the second authentication factor frequently or if the process is slow or cumbersome.

• Additional cost: 2FA may involve additional costs, such as the cost of security tokens or the cost of SMS messages for phone-based authentication.

Biometric authentication​

Biometric authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity based on their physical or behavioral characteristics. Examples of biometric authentication methods include fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, iris scanners, and voice recognition.

Biometric authentication is designed to provide a high level of security by making it difficult for an attacker to impersonate the user. It is often used in combination with other forms of authentication, such as password-based authentication or two-factor authentication (2FA).

Benefits of Biometric authentication​

• Improved security: Biometric authentication provides a high level of security by verifying the user's identity based on their physical or behavioral characteristics. It is difficult for an attacker to impersonate the user, making it less likely that unauthorized access will be granted.

• Convenience: Biometric authentication can be more convenient for users than other forms of authentication, such as password-based authentication, because it does not require the user to remember or enter any additional information.

• Widely supported: Biometric authentication is supported by many systems and devices, making it a widely available and flexible option.

• Customizable: Biometric authentication can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different biometric modalities or by requiring biometric authentication only for certain types of transactions.

Drawbacks of Biometric authentication​

• Dependence on hardware: Biometric authentication requires specialized hardware, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras, which can be expensive to implement and maintain.

• False rejections or false acceptance: There is a risk of false rejections or false acceptance with biometric authentication, which can occur when the system fails to accurately verify the user's identity. This can be frustrating for users and may impact the usability of the system.

• Privacy concerns: Some users may be concerned about the privacy implications of biometric authentication, such as the potential for biometric data to be collected or used without their consent.

Security questions​

Security questions-based authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity by requiring them to provide the answers to one or more predetermined security questions. It is often used as a secondary form of authentication, in combination with password-based authentication or other methods.

Benefits of Security questions​

• Easy to implement: Security questions-based authentication is simple to set up and does not require any additional hardware or software.

• Familiar to users: Security questions-based authentication is familiar to most users, making it easy for them to understand and use.

• Customizable: Security questions-based authentication can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different questions or by requiring security questions-based authentication only for certain types of transactions.

Drawbacks of Security questions​

• Risk of answers being stolen or guessed: The answers to security questions can be stolen or guessed, which can compromise the security of the system.

• Risk of users forgetting answers: Users may forget the answers to their security questions, which can be inconvenient and may require a reset process.

• Privacy concerns: Security questions-based authentication may involve the collection and storage of personal information, which can raise privacy concerns.

Token-based authentication​

Token-based authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity by requiring them to provide a token, which is a unique string of characters that is generated by the server and sent to the client. The client then sends the token back to the server with each subsequent request, and the server verifies the token in order to grant the user access to the protected resource. Token-based authentication is often used in combination with other forms of authentication, such as password-based authentication, and it is widely supported by systems and applications.

Benefits of Token-based authentication​

• Improved security: Token-based authentication can provide a higher level of security by using unique, time-limited tokens that are difficult for an attacker to intercept or forge.

• Scalability: Token-based authentication can scale more easily than other forms of authentication, such as session-based authentication, because it does not require the server to store state information for each user.

• Customizable: Token-based authentication can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different token formats or by requiring tokens only for certain types of transactions.

• Widely supported: Token-based authentication is widely supported by systems and applications, making it a flexible and widely available option.

Drawbacks of Token-based authentication​

• Dependence on token transmission: Token-based authentication relies on the secure transmission of tokens between the client and server, which can be vulnerable to interception if not properly protected.

• Token management: Token-based authentication requires the server to manage and verify tokens, which can be resource-intensive and may require additional infrastructure.

• User inconvenience: Token-based authentication may be inconvenient for users if they need to obtain and provide a new token frequently, or if the process of obtaining and providing the token is slow or cumbersome.

Single sign-on (SSO)​

Single sign-on (SSO) is a method of user authentication that allows a user to access multiple systems or applications with a single set of credentials. In an SSO system, the user logs in once with their username and password, and then they are automatically authenticated for other systems or applications that are integrated with the SSO system.

SSO is designed to improve convenience and security by reducing the number of times the user needs to enter their credentials, and by centralizing the authentication process. It is commonly used in corporate environments and is supported by many systems and applications. However, it requires the integration of the various systems and applications and may have additional requirements, such as the use of a specific authentication protocol.

Benefits of Single sign-on (SSO)​

• Improved convenience: SSO allows the user to access multiple systems or applications with a single set of credentials, which can be more convenient than having to log in separately for each system or application.

• Improved security: SSO can improve security by centralizing the authentication process and reducing the number of times the user needs to enter their credentials.

• Customizable: SSO can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different authentication protocols or by requiring SSO only for certain types of transactions.

• Widely supported: SSO is widely supported by systems and applications, making it a flexible and widely available option.

Drawbacks of Single sign-on (SSO)​

• Dependence on integration: SSO requires the integration of the various systems and applications, which can be resource-intensive and may require additional infrastructure.

• Dependence on SSO system: SSO relies on the availability and reliability of the SSO system, which can be disrupted if the system is down or experiencing problems.

• Security risks: SSO can present additional security risks, such as if the SSO system itself is compromised or if the user's credentials are stolen or guessed.

Digest based User authentication​

Digest authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity by requiring them to provide a hashed version of their password, known as a "digest," in order to access a protected resource. In digest authentication, the server sends a challenge to the client, and the client responds with a digest that is calculated using the username, password, and other information. The server then verifies the digest in order to grant the user access.

Digest authentication is designed to provide a higher level of security than basic authentication, which sends the password in clear text, but it is not as widely supported as other forms of authentication, such as token-based authentication or single sign-on (SSO).

Benefits of Digest based User authentication​

• Improved security: Digest authentication provides a higher level of security than basic authentication, which sends the password in clear text, by requiring the client to send a hashed version of the password, known as a "digest."

• Customizable: Digest authentication can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different hashing algorithms or by requiring digest authentication only for certain types of transactions.

Drawbacks of Digest based User authentication​

• Limited support: Digest authentication is not as widely supported as other forms of authentication, such as token-based authentication or single sign-on (SSO), which may limit its availability and flexibility.

• Dependence on password transmission: Digest authentication relies on the secure transmission of the password between the client and server, which can be vulnerable to interception if not properly protected.

• Password management: Digest authentication requires the server to manage and verify passwords, which can be resource-intensive and may require additional infrastructure.

Certificate-based User authentication​

Certificate-based user authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity by requiring them to provide a digital certificate, which is a secure electronic document that is issued by a trusted third party and used to establish the user's identity. In certificate-based authentication, the user's digital certificate is verified by the server in order to grant the user access to the protected resource. Certificate-based authentication is often used in combination with other forms of authentication, such as password-based authentication, and it is widely supported by systems and applications. It provides a high level of security by relying on the security of the digital certificate and the trustworthiness of the issuing authority.

Benefits of Certificate-based User authentication​

• Improved security: Certificate-based authentication provides a high level of security by relying on the security of the digital certificate and the trustworthiness of the issuing authority.

• Widely supported: Certificate-based authentication is widely supported by systems and applications, making it a flexible and widely available option.

• Customizable: Certificate-based authentication can be customized to meet the specific needs and constraints of the system, such as by allowing the use of different certificate formats or by requiring certificates only for certain types of transactions.

Drawbacks of Certificate-based User authentication​

• Dependence on certificate transmission: Certificate-based authentication relies on the secure transmission of the digital certificate between the client and server, which can be vulnerable to interception if not properly protected.

• Certificate management: Certificate-based authentication requires the server to manage and verify digital certificates, which can be resource-intensive and may require additional infrastructure.

• User inconvenience: Certificate-based authentication may be inconvenient for users if they need to obtain and provide a new certificate frequently, or if the process of obtaining and providing the certificate is slow or cumbersome.