clerk-core-workflow-b

name	clerk-core-workflow-b
description	Implement session management and middleware with Clerk. Use when managing user sessions, configuring route protection, or implementing token refresh and custom JWT templates. Trigger with phrases like "clerk session", "clerk middleware", "clerk route protection", "clerk token", "clerk JWT".
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Edit, Grep
version	1.14.0
license	MIT
author	Jeremy Longshore <[e-mail]>
tags	["saas","clerk","clerk-core","sessions","middleware"]
compatibility	Designed for Claude Code, also compatible with Codex and OpenClaw

Clerk Core Workflow B: Session & Middleware

Overview

Implement session management and route protection with Clerk middleware. Covers clerkMiddleware() configuration, auth() patterns, custom session claims, JWT templates for external services, organization-scoped sessions, and session token v2.

Use when managing user sessions, configuring route protection, or implementing token refresh and custom JWT templates.

Prerequisites

• @clerk/nextjs installed with ClerkProvider wrapping the app
• Next.js 14+ with App Router (or adapt patterns for your stack)
• Working publishable + secret Clerk keys in env

Instructions

1. Confirm ClerkProvider and env keys are live (see clerk-install-auth / clerk-hello-world).
2. Configure clerkMiddleware() matcher / public routes for the routes you want open.
3. Use auth() / currentUser() on protected pages and API routes; fail closed when unauthenticated.
4. For custom claims or external JWT consumers, configure session token templates carefully (size limits).
5. For org-scoped apps, bind authorization to org id + role claims, not only user id.
6. Verify: signed-out user cannot hit protected routes; signed-in user can; org role gates hold.

Deep patterns, JWT templates, and edge cases: session-middleware-deep-dive.md.

Output

• Session/middleware configuration enforcing the requested protection rules
• Documented JWT/session claim changes when customized
• Verification steps for protected vs public routes

Examples

Protect all routes except marketing

User: Protect everything except /, /pricing, and Clerk sign-in routes.
Skill: configures clerkMiddleware publicRoutes / matcher and verifies unauth redirect.

Custom session claim for plan tier

User: Put plan_tier on the session JWT for feature flags.
Skill: configures session token template and validates claim size + read path.