> Portal Navigation:
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## Resource: Introduction

## Article: Introduction (Authentication)

## Article Link: https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/introduction.md

## Article Content:

# About the Authentication API

The Authentication API allows you to manage site member authentication. 

With the Authentication API, you can:

- [Register](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/register.md) new members. 
- Log members [in](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/login.md) and [out](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/logout.md). 
- [Check](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/logged-in.md) login status. 
- [Handle](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/authentication/apply-session-token.md) session tokens from external identity providers. 

## Before you begin

Before you start writing your code, keep in mind the following:

- The [Wix Members Area](https://www.wix.com/app-market/web-solution/members-area) must be installed on the site. For apps, set [Wix Members Area](https://www.wix.com/app-market/web-solution/members-area) as a [required dependency](https://dev.wix.com/docs/build-apps/launch-your-app/market-listing/add-your-app-audience-info.md#about-required-wix-products) in your app settings so your app can't be installed without it.
- A Wix user has to configure [site's member signup settings](https://support.wix.com/en/article/site-members-managing-signup-login-and-security-settings-for-your-site-members) to control whether new members require email verification or admin approval.
- For self-hosted apps, use [site.host()](https://dev.wix.com/docs/sdk/host-modules/site/introduction.md#self-hosted-apps) to authenticate your Wix Client with an access token.

## Terminology

- **Site member**: A registered user with an account on the site. Members can log in to access member-only content and features.