Custom Authentication Middleware

The video tutorial explains how to create a protected route for user profiles using middleware to validate JSON Web Tokens (JWT). It covers setting up the route, creating middleware for token validation, implementing token verification, and fetching user data. The tutorial also demonstrates testing the route using Postman and handling errors related to token validation. Finally, it shows how to finalize the user profile route with token protection.

What is the purpose of creating a protected route in the API?

What steps are involved in creating the middleware for token validation?

Explain how the token is sent in the request headers.

What is the role of the 'next' function in middleware?

How can you implement the middleware to protect specific routes?

Describe the process of handling unauthorized access in the middleware.

How do you retrieve the logged-in user's ID from the token?

What is the significance of using 'select' to exclude the password in the user data retrieval?

What happens if the token is manipulated or invalid?

Explain how the user data is returned after successful authentication.