[AceJohnny2]

authn vs authz: Authentication vs Authorization

authn/authentication: user proves who they are, with username/password or otherwise

authz/authorization: based on who the user is, system determines what they are allowed to do, via group membership or otherwise

[AndrewDavis]

authz may be confusing to non USA English speakers. I wouldn't make the connection without it spelled out to me. Unfortunately I don't have a better suggestion because auths as short for authorisation is probably worse.

[Affric]

If you work with computers (rather than using them) and don't default to USA English when discussing and using them you are likely in for a bad time.

[raxxorraxor]

I think it is less confusion than just calling it auth. I have read many articles about basic auth vs oauth. But the auth here isn't the same.

[hinkley]

You can't pronounce authn and authz very well, but to be perfectly honest I'm not sure if that falls under the 'pro' or 'con' column.

[fragmede]

I think it's a pro. in saying auth-enn and auth-zee (zed), it's clear which of the two you're talking about.

[dietr1ch]

To me they look like the kind of abbreviations I'd only do when writing. I just say authentication or authorisation when reading them (out loud or in my own mind)

[matttproud]

TBH, we'd be better if without any of the contracted forms.