CODEWITHSUNDEEP
nuxt.jsapi-keyenv-file
YUN0814
YUN0814

Reputation: 49

What is apiSecret in the Nuxt env file?

What is the purpose of setting NUXT_API_SECRET in the .env file within a Nuxt project?

We include the line NUXT_API_SECRET in the env file in production stage, essentially representing an API key, correct? In the nuxt.config.ts file, we configure it as per the practices outlined in the Nuxt official documentation.

export default defineNuxtConfig({
  runtimeConfig: {
    // Private keys are only available on the server
    apiSecret: process.env.NUXT_API_SECRET,
    // Public keys that are exposed to the client
    public: {
      apiBase: process.env.NUXT_PUBLIC_API_BASE
    }
  },
}

When discussing APIs with backend colleagues using the Postman interface, we all know to place the access token in the header bearer and do not need to include the API KEY.

When I asked my supervisor how this apiSecret variable should be generated, they clarified, "The apiSecret is not related to the backend; it's something the frontend needs to handle."

I am unsure if my current understanding is correct; please provide some feedback:

  1. The Nuxt official documentation informs us that runtimeConfig has private and public parts. By following the official configuration and placing it in the private section, the API key will not be exposed in the browser. Hence, it's normal not to see the API key in the browser console's network section.

  2. Currently, our API authentication is handled by the access token, not the API key. According to this article, the API key is used to identify "this app," but it can be entirely unrelated to API permissions. Therefore, I can generate an apiSecret using my own method without involving any issues related to API authorization.

Additionally, my other concerns are:

  1. I cannot see the API key in the request headers of the browser console; I can only see the access token/refresh token. However, does the backend still receive the API key? Does my frontend server send the API key when sending requests to the backend server?

  2. Assuming the API key is no longer related to calling the API, why is it still necessary to include the API key in our env file?

Big thanks to anyone who is willing to help with answers and feedback!

Upvotes: 1

Views: 148

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