Authentication Openid

Should I Use OpenID Attribute Exchange for User Details?

When building a website that utilizes OpenID for authentication, it’s common to encounter the question: Should I enable OpenID Attribute Exchange (AX) for retrieving user details? In recent years, reports of complications arising from its implementation have surfaced, notably from platforms like Stack Overflow. This blog post delves into the landscape of OpenID Attribute Exchange, its pros and cons, and gives insights into whether it’s the right choice for your site.

Understanding OpenID Attribute Exchange (AX)

OpenID itself is a protocol allowing users to log into multiple services using a single set of credentials. OpenID AX enhances this by allowing websites to gather additional information about the user, like name or email address, through a simple query to the OpenID provider. However, its implementation has not been without challenges.

Current State of Play

The OpenID community has seen various responses to the challenges tied to AX:

  • Variability in Provider Support: Different OpenID Providers (OPs) exhibit inconsistent support for AX, which can lead to user experience complications.
  • Standardization Issues: There isn’t a uniform agreement among OPs regarding which attribute type URLs should be used. This lack of consensus creates confusion and complications for developers trying to implement AX.
  • Limited Response from Providers: Many times, attempts to retrieve data using AX yield insufficient results, leaving developers and users frustrated.

Addressing the Concerns

The Story from Stack Overflow

As highlighted by Stack Overflow’s experience, the site currently opts for the Simple Registration extension instead of AX. Here are some specific problems they faced:

  • Attribute URL Confusion: The official AX specification recommends sourcing attribute URLs from the AX Schema. However, some popular OPs, like MyOpenID, acknowledge other URLs, complicating matters for developers.

  • Inconsistent Data Retrieval: Many OPs did not return user details even when computed correctly. The integration with libraries like DotNetOpenId showed potential, but retrieval issues remained prevalent.

Tips for Developers

If you’re considering implementing OpenID AX, here are some suggestions to navigate its inconsistency effectively:

  • Assess Your Provider’s Support: Before integrating AX, investigate and ensure that your chosen OpenID provider has solid, reliable support for attribute exchange.

  • Stick to the Standard: Use the recommended attribute types from the AX Schema to avoid complications with providers that deviate from the standard.

  • Explore Alternative Solutions: Consider using simpler methods like Simple Registration for essential user data. This could save time and resources and minimize user confusion.

  • Monitor User Experience: Always prioritize a seamless user experience. Be prepared to revisit and adjust your approach as the landscape of integration evolves.

Conclusion

In summary, while OpenID Attribute Exchange offers the potential for a richer user experience by pulling in valuable additional data, its inconsistent support across different providers and variability in attribute standards can create significant headaches. For many developers, especially those focused on delivering a smooth user experience, relying on established alternatives like the Simple Registration extension may be the way to go.

As you build your website, weigh the pros and cons carefully, and stay updated on the evolving landscape of OpenID support.