Professional DotNetNuke® Module Programming

Chapter 17. Creating Authentication Providers

To build a foundation for the discussion of various different extension options available within the DotNetNuke framework, Chapter 16 introduced you to the creation of the skin object. Authentication providers are the next integration method that will be discussed.

This chapter introduces authentication providers by starting with a brief overview of what they are and when it might be appropriate to use them. The chapter then continues with examples of authentication providers in use. The discussion then examines considerations that must be taken into account when working with authentication providers — most importantly, their limitations, including common "gotcha" moments that might be experienced. The chapter will then take a look at the code that implements the Live ID authentication provider that is included as part of the core DotNetNuke installation. The chapter wraps up with a brief note and warning about differences between DotNetNuke 4.x and 5.x installation processes for providers.

What Is an Authentication Provider?

Some developers may find the concept of an authentication provider difficult to grasp because many developers confuse authentication and membership. In DotNetNuke 4.6.0 and later, the authentication provider functionality has been implemented as a way to enable users to extend the authentication process to work with outside sources. An authentication provider simply provides the functionality to assert that users are ...