WebAuthn Guide for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite & MongoDB
Tags: mysql, postgres, sqlite, mongodb
Published: 2024-04-11 07:00:00

## Introduction: The Importance of Passkeys in Modern Authentication

In the digital age, ensuring the security and ease of user authentication is important. With the advent of passkeys, a new standard in login technology has emerged, offering a user-friendly and secure alternative to traditional passwords. This guide aims to demystify the integration of passkeys across various database technologies - **MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and MongoDB** - highlighting key considerations and providing a foundation for developers looking to implement this innovative authentication method in their applications.

**_[Read full blog post here](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkey-webauthn-database-guide)_**

## Understanding Passkeys: A Developer's Perspective
Passkeys, based on the WebAuthn protocol, represent a significant leap forward in authentication technology. They replace passwords with cryptographic credentials, enhancing security and user experience. However, integrating passkeys into your application requires a solid understanding of database schemas tailored to store essential data, such as user details and credentials. This article outlines [recommended database schemas](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkey-webauthn-database-guide) for popular database technologies, ensuring developers have the know-how needed to implement passkeys efficiently.

## MySQL & PostgreSQL: Relational Databases for Passkeys

For relational databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL, the schema involves two primary tables: **users and credentials**. The users table stores basic information, including username and contact details, while the credentials table holds cryptographic data, such as public keys and attestation types. 

## SQLite: The Lightweight Solution

SQLite offers a simple, serverless solution for smaller applications or development stages. Similar to MySQL and PostgreSQL, the SQLite schema consists of **users and credentials tables** but is tailored for environments where simplicity and minimal overhead are critical. Despite its lightweight nature, SQLite adequately supports the storage requirements for passkey-based authentication.

## MongoDB: NoSQL Flexibility for Passkey Storage

MongoDB stands out for its flexibility and scalability, using a document-oriented approach to store data in JSON-like documents. This makes it ideal for applications requiring rapid iterations and adaptable data models. For passkeys, MongoDB's schema validation feature ensures data integrity, with **collections for users and credentials** designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of document-based storage.

## Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Authentication

Integrating passkeys into your application's authentication process is not just about enhancing security; it's about improving the overall user experience. Whether you opt for a relational database like **MySQL** or **PostgreSQL**, a lightweight solution like **SQLite**, or a flexible NoSQL option like **MongoDB**, the key is to understand the specific requirements and best practices for passkey storage. By adopting passkeys, developers can contribute to a safer, more user-friendly digital world. To see the full database schema recommendations, have a look at our [detailed blog post](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkey-webauthn-database-guide).