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JavaScript User Authentication With Express and Mongo Improving the App with Custom Middleware Writing More Middleware

Nathan Gallagher
Nathan Gallagher
21,518 Points
Posted by Nathan Gallagher
Nathan Gallagher
21,518 Points

Why not just redirect to the login page if a user isn't logged in?

Any particular reason why Dave chose to display an error message instead of just redirecting non-logged in users to the login page when they try to access a password protected page? I'm wondering if there's a certain best practice here.

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points

:point_right: The error recognizes what was being attempted.

Just displaying the login page would certainly save a step towards getting to the desired page, but the issue is that the client was attempting to go directly to the protected page. So displaying the error recognizes the browser's intent, and provides an appropriate response.

Displaying a page other than the one requested, even in the case of an error, could be interpreted by the user as a malfunction of the application, or maybe even a hijacking or attempted identity theft.

The "best practice" here might be: "Always display either the requested page or an error".

Sebastian H
Sebastian H
19,905 Points

Or even better, combine the two? Respond with a page which shows the error and then a login form underneath.