access token

An access token is an authorization string that provides secure access to content, data, and functionality in ArcGIS. The format is either an API key or an OAuth 2.0 token. Access tokens define the scope and permissions available to your application, and their capabilities vary based on the type of authentication used to obtain them.

There are three types of authentication that can be used to obtain an access token:

• API key authentication: This creates a long-lived access token that grants your application access to ArcGIS services and secure items in your portal.
• User authentication (formerly ArcGIS identity): This generates a short-lived token via OAuth 2.0, authorizing your application to access secure resources on behalf of a signed in ArcGIS user.
• App authentication: This generates a short-lived token via OAuth 2.0, authorizing your application to access ArcGIS services and secure items in your portal.