Use basic authentication with jQuery and Ajax

Exploring beforeSend and headers: Setting custom headers

Beyond quickly configuring your $.ajax() request with pre-defined headers, jQuery also offers more dynamic options, suitable for varied contexts.

Custom Headers: Your direct passport to the server

In many cases, you can set the required Authorization header directly in the headers option. Simplicity speaks volumes!

$.ajax({
  // ... Configs ...
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Basic ' + btoa('username:password') // Not so secret, secret!
  }
});


beforeSend: Robust tailoring of headers

Sometimes, you want more dynamic control or conditional logic. beforeSend function is handy. Here, you're offered an opportunity to do adjustments before the request exits:

$.ajax({
  // ... configs ...
  beforeSend: function(xhr) {
    xhr.setRequestHeader('Authorization', 'Basic ' + btoa('username:password')); // Please usher me in
  }
});


This silent trick keeps that irky browser default authentication dialog at bay. Brilliant, isn't it?

A richer management experience: Asynchronous execution and error management

You can opt to make asynchronous requests using the async flag in the $.ajax() parameters. Do you like control? Always implement the success and error callbacks to pipe out updates on the status of your request:

$.ajax({
  // ... Configs ...
  async: true,
  success: data => console.log(data), // Data - our precious!
  error: (jqXHR, textStatus, errorThrown) => console.error(errorThrown) // Error - the unwanted guest!
});


$.ajaxSetup: A macro manager's delight

Repeat authentication is common. But doing so manually each time feels like a chore. Boring, right? Use $.ajaxSetup to preset your authentication header for all future Ajax requests:

$.ajaxSetup({
  headers: {'Authorization': 'Basic ' + btoa('username:password')} // VIP pass activated!
});


Hey! Be cautious while using this. It affects all future Ajax requests.

Security considerations? Absolutely!

Building great software isn't all peaches and cream. You have to consider the safety of your users' data. Keep passwords out of sight by using a secure channel like HTTPS. Be a security champ. 👑