SSL certificate
Also called: TLS certificate, HTTPS certificate
The certificate that lets a browser or app verify a server's identity and encrypt traffic (HTTPS).
Definition
Certificates make HTTPS work. To inspect encrypted traffic, proxy tools install their own certificate on the test device. Some apps use certificate pinning and refuse that, which is why test builds often disable it.
In practice
After installing the Charles certificate on a test iPhone, you can read the JSON the app sends during checkout.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- Proxy toolA program that sits between the app and the server so you can watch and change network traffic.
- HTTPSThe secure version of HTTP; traffic between the browser or app and the server is encrypted.
- Certificate pinningAn app accepting only its own server's real certificate, which also blocks proxy tools.