Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS)

Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) is a security feature that allows web applications to request resources from a different domain while enforcing specific rules to protect against security risks.

Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) is a security feature implemented in web browsers to allow controlled access to resources on a different domain than the one from which the request originated. By default, web browsers enforce the same-origin policy, which restricts web pages from making requests to a different domain. However, many modern web applications need to request resources from external servers or APIs, and this is where CORS comes into play.

CORS works by adding specific HTTP headers that specify which origins are permitted to access the resources on the server. When a web application requests a resource from a different domain, the server responds with these headers, indicating whether the cross-origin request is allowed. If the server permits the request, the browser allows the resource to be accessed; otherwise, it blocks the request.

While CORS enables flexibility in web development by allowing cross-domain requests, it also enforces strict rules to prevent security vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Developers must carefully configure CORS policies to strike a balance between enabling necessary cross-origin access and protecting sensitive data.

In summary, CORS is an essential feature for enabling cross-domain resource sharing in web applications while maintaining the security of those applications against potential risks.