Global middleware invoked when accessing API endpoints

Hello,

Implementing authentication in a global middleware for a Nuxt.js (or any Vue.js-based) application can be tricky, especially when dealing with different environments (like localhost vs production) and various types of requests (API vs regular page requests). The behavior you’re experiencing, where the middleware triggers for API calls and causes a redirect loop, is a common issue when the middleware doesn’t differentiate between API requests and regular navigation.

Here are some suggestions and best practices to resolve this issue:

1. Differentiate Between API and Page Requests: Modify your global middleware to distinguish between API calls and regular page navigations. This can be done by checking the type of request or the URL path. For example, you might prefix all your API routes with /api/ and then check this in your middleware:

   export default function ({ req, redirect, route }) {
     // Check if the route is for an API call
     if (route.path.startsWith('/api/')) {
       return;
     }
   
     // Your existing authentication logic
     // ...
   }
   

2. Environment-Specific Conditions: Since you mentioned that the issue doesn’t occur on localhost, you might need to add environment-specific logic in your middleware. You can use process.env to check the current environment:

   if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development') {
     // Skip middleware logic in development
     return;
   }
   

3. Refactor Authentication Logic: Instead of handling authentication directly in the middleware, consider using a dedicated authentication service. This service can manage the authentication state and be called from the middleware when needed. This approach makes your authentication logic more modular and easier to manage.

4. Use Nuxt Auth Module: If you’re not already using it, consider leveraging the Nuxt Auth module. It provides a robust and flexible way to handle authentication in Nuxt.js applications and can simplify a lot of the complexities associated with authentication.

5. Server Middleware for API: If your API endpoints are part of the Nuxt application, consider using server middleware specifically for API routes. Server middleware in Nuxt.js can be used to handle server-side logic for specific routes, separating it from the client-side middleware.

6. Logging and Debugging: Add logging to your middleware to understand how and when it’s being triggered. This can provide insights into the flow of requests and help in identifying why the middleware is behaving differently for API requests.

7. Review Redirect Logic: Ensure that the logic for redirecting to the IdP server is not inadvertently affecting API routes. The redirect should only occur for specific conditions, like non-authenticated page requests.

Best,

Bobby