Introduction to otpauth

In today’s world of digital transactions and online activities, ensuring security is paramount. One-Time Password (OTP) authentication is a widely adopted method for enhancing security. The otpauth library is a powerful tool for generating and managing OTPs. This guide explores the various APIs provided by otpauth, complete with code snippets to help you integrate OTP authentication into your applications effortlessly.

Getting Started

To start using otpauth, install the library via npm:

npm install otpauth

Creating a New TOTP

TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) is a common method of generating OTPs that are valid for a short duration of time. Here’s how to create a TOTP:

 const { TOTP } = require('otpauth'); const totp = new TOTP({ secret: 'JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP' }); console.log(totp.generate()); // Generates a TOTP 

Validating a TOTP

To validate a TOTP, use the validate() method as shown below:

 const valid = totp.validate({ token: '123456' }); console.log(valid); // Returns true or false 

Generating a New HOTP

HOTP (HMAC-Based One-Time Password) is another type of OTP where each password is valid until it is used. Here’s how you generate an HOTP:

 const { HOTP } = require('otpauth'); const hotp = new HOTP({ secret: 'JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP' }); console.log(hotp.generate({ counter: 1 })); // Generates an HOTP 

Validating an HOTP

To validate an HOTP, use the validate() method:

 const valid = hotp.validate({ token: '123456', counter: 1 }); console.log(valid); // Returns true or false 

App Example

Let’s create a simple Node.js application that uses otpauth to generate and validate TOTPs. This example assumes you have Express installed:

 const express = require('express'); const { TOTP } = require('otpauth'); const app = express();
const totp = new TOTP({ secret: 'JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP' });
app.get('/generate', (req, res) => {
  const token = totp.generate();
  res.send({ token });
});
app.get('/validate', (req, res) => {
  const token = req.query.token;
  const valid = totp.validate({ token });
  res.send({ valid });
});
app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server running at http://localhost:3000');
}); 

This node.js app provides two endpoints: one for generating a TOTP and another for validating it.

Conclusion

The otpauth library is versatile and powerful, making OTP generation and validation straightforward. Incorporating OTPs into your applications can significantly enhance security. Explore the library further to take advantage of other features it offers.

Hash: 6a82b48eb4cecb866de5dd5acbbb8cd6afc8155e176dbfe290f44d750aa6ffb1