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Use long expiration times instead of non-expiring tokens

Status

This is just a proposal so far, it hasn't been accepted and needs further discussion.

Status:
proposed
Deciders:
rishabhpoddar, porcellus
Proposed by:
porcellus
Created:
2023-05-11

Context and Problem Statement#

In some M2M use-cases the user may require a token to never expire.

Considered Options#

  • Recommend long expiration times instead of non-expiring tokens
  • Set the expiration time to null for non-expiring tokens

Decision Outcome#

Chosen option: Recommend long expiration times instead of non-expiring tokens

  • Simpler
  • Harder to make a mistake (from the point of view of the user)

Pros and Cons of the Options#

Recommend long expiration times instead of non-expiring tokens#

  • Very explicit/descriptive solution
  • Simpler
  • Technically no way to set it to never expire
  • Set the expiration time to null for non-expiring tokens#

  • Explicitly supports the requirement
  • Complicates implementation
  • Creates a difference between `null` and `undefined` on the API