Role-based vs policy-based authorization?

Short answer: ✅ Role-based: [Authorize(Roles = "Admin")] ✅ Policy-based: services.AddAuthorization(options => { options.AddPolicy("CanEdit", policy => policy.RequireClaim("EditPermission")); }); Then use: [Authorize(Policy = "CanEdit")] Policy-based gives more flexibility (custom requirements, claims, logic).

Real-world example (ShopNest)

A ShopNest checkout request flows through middleware, hits a minimal API or controller, uses scoped services, and returns ProblemDetails on errors.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.