A comprehensive overview of the four main categories of tokens developers encounter: authentication tokens (access, ID, refresh, JWT, bearer, SAML, session, magic links, OATH), LLM tokens (input, output, reasoning, cache), crypto tokens (fungible, non-fungible, semi-fungible), and application/API tokens (CSRF, password reset, idempotency). Each category is explained with definitions, subtypes, and practical relevance for developers building modern applications and APIs.
Table of contents
1. Authentication Tokens2. AI and LLM Tokens3. Crypto Tokens4. Application and API TokensTokens Are Pervasive in Software DevelopmentAI Summary237 Impressions