An authorization token is a piece of data that is used to grant access to certain resources, functionalities, or actions within a system. It's a part of the authentication and authorization process that ensures only authorized users or applications can perform specific actions or access particular information. Authorization tokens play a crucial role in maintaining security and controlling access in various software systems and web applications.

There are several types of authorization tokens, each with its own characteristics and use cases:

1. Bearer Token: Bearer tokens are commonly used in OAuth 2.0 authentication. They are essentially strings of characters that an authenticated user or application presents to the system to gain access. These tokens are typically included in the "Authorization" header of HTTP requests.

2. JWT (JSON Web Token): JWTs are a type of token that can contain information in a structured JSON format. They consist of three parts: header, payload, and signature. JWTs are often used to securely transmit information between parties. They are self-contained and can carry claims about the user or the application's identity and permissions.

3. API Key: API keys are simple tokens that applications use to identify themselves when making requests to APIs. They are commonly used in scenarios where access control is simpler, but they might lack the granularity and security features of other token types.

4. Session Token: Session tokens are often used in web applications to maintain a user's session after they've logged in. They are typically stored on the server and linked to a user's session data.

Benefits of using authorization tokens:
1. Security: Authorization tokens play a vital role in ensuring that only authorized users or applications can access certain resources or perform specific actions. This helps protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of a system.

2. Scalability: Tokens can be easily managed and validated, allowing systems to scale efficiently while maintaining security.

3. Statelessness: Many token-based authentication systems are stateless, which means they don't require server-side storage of session data. This can lead to simpler and more scalable architecture.

4. Single Sign-On (SSO): Tokens can be used in single sign-on solutions, where users can authenticate once and then access multiple applications or services without the need to re-enter credentials.

5. Customization: Different token types can carry different types of information, allowing for flexible customization of permissions, claims, and attributes.

6. Auditing and Logging: Token-based authentication systems can provide better audit trails and logs, as each request can carry information about the user, application, and actions performed.

7. Revocation: Some token types allow for easy revocation of access without affecting other tokens or sessions.

It's important to note that while authorization tokens offer various benefits, their implementation and usage must be carefully designed to ensure proper security practices are followed and potential vulnerabilities are mitigated.