requestPermission

RequestPermission is a general mechanism used by software to ask a user for consent to access a protected resource or capability. The process typically results in a consent prompt, and the user's decision determines whether the application may proceed to use the resource. Permissions can be granted temporarily or persist across sessions, depending on the platform and policy.

Contexts and variations

- Web browsers: Web platforms implement permissions for features such as notifications, geolocation, camera, and microphone. Some APIs provide explicit requestPermission calls or prompt the user when a feature is first used. The Permission API can report the current state as granted, denied, or prompt.

- Mobile platforms: Android and iOS require apps to declare required permissions and request them at runtime. Users can grant or deny access, and some environments offer a reversible setting or a recurring prompt policy.

- Desktop and other environments: Many frameworks implement similar flows for access to files, devices, or system features, often with platform-specific dialogs and state tracking.

How it works

The application initiates a permission request to access a resource. The system presents a user interface asking for consent. Depending on the result, the app may proceed, retry later, or adapt to a denied state. Some platforms also provide a rationale or explanation prior to prompting.

Best practices

- Request only when the resource is genuinely needed and immediately relevant.

- Provide a clear, user-facing explanation of why access is required.

- Handle denial gracefully and offer alternatives or fallback behavior.

- Respect changes in permission state and avoid repeated, intrusive prompts.

Security and privacy considerations

The request-permission model supports least-privilege principles, helping protect user data and system resources by requiring explicit consent and offering revocation options.

See also

Permissions API; Notification permission; Geolocation access; Camera and microphone access; Runtime permissions.