Step-by-Step: Implement Authentication with React 19, Clerk 1.0, and GitHub OAuth 2.0

This tutorial walks you through integrating secure, production-ready authentication into a React 19 application using Clerk 1.0 and GitHub OAuth 2.0. You’ll learn to configure OAuth providers, set up Clerk in your React project, and protect routes with minimal boilerplate.

Prerequisites

Node.js v20 or later installed locally

Existing React 19 project (or create one during Step 3)

Free Clerk account

GitHub account for OAuth app setup

Step 1: Create a Clerk Application

Log in to your Clerk dashboard and click Add Application . Name your app (e.g., "React 19 Auth Demo"), then select GitHub as an authentication provider under the "Social Connections" section. Complete the setup flow to create your app.

Navigate to the API Keys section of your Clerk dashboard.…