Building OAuth 2.0 Authorization URLs
OAuth URL Building
Required Parameters
Most OAuth 2.0 authorization code flows need client_id, redirect_uri, response_type=code, and optionally scope, state, and PKCE parameters.
Real-World Examples
https://auth.example.com/authorize?client_id=...&redirect_uri=...&response_type=code&scope=openid+profile
Add state to prevent CSRF on the callback
Add code_challenge and code_challenge_method=S256 for PKCE
Common Mistakes
- Redirect URI mismatch — must exactly match a registered callback URL
- Omitting
state— exposes the flow to CSRF attacks - Using implicit flow (
response_type=token) for new apps — prefer authorization code with PKCE
Developer Tips
- Generate PKCE values with the PKCE Generator tool on this site
- URL-encode parameter values — use the URL Encoder for individual values
- Log the full authorize URL during local debugging, redact in production logs
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get code_challenge values?
Use the PKCE Generator tool on this site to create code_verifier and code_challenge pairs.
Why does my redirect fail with redirect_uri_mismatch?
The redirect_uri parameter must exactly match one of the URIs registered with your OAuth provider, including trailing slashes and scheme.
What is the state parameter for?
State is a random value you store in session and verify on callback. It prevents cross-site request forgery during OAuth.