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Definition
An access token is a short-lived credential used to prove that an application has permission to access a protected resource. It is commonly used in OAuth 2.0 flows to let apps request data or perform actions without exposing the user’s password.

Why it matters
Access tokens matter because they allow secure, limited access between systems. They help applications verify permission, reduce password sharing, and control what an app can do on behalf of a user.

Example use case
A user connects a calendar app to a scheduling tool. The scheduling tool receives an access token that lets it read available calendar times without needing the user’s calendar password.