JSON Web Token (JWT) is an open standard (RFC 7519) for securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object. It is commonly used for authentication and authorization in web applications, ensuring that data can be verified and trusted because it is digitally signed using a secret key or a public/private key pair. A JWT is compact, URL-safe, and consists of three parts: a header, a payload, and a signature. The header specifies the token type and signing algorithm, the payload contains the claims (user information or metadata), and the signature verifies the token's integrity. JWTs are often used in single sign-on (SSO) systems and RESTful APIs, allowing servers to authenticate users and authorize access without maintaining session state. By providing a secure and efficient way to transmit data, JWTs enhance the security and scalability of modern web applications.