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How does DID resolution differ from DID URL dereferencing?
Resolution finds a document; dereferencing locates a more specific resource.
DID resolution takes a DID and returns a DID document with metadata, or an error. DID URL dereferencing processes a more specific DID URL to locate its resource.
For example, an app resolves a DID and follows a key reference to a verification method. Locating key information, checking a signature and authorizing an operation are separate actions.
Failure also needs interpretation. An unsupported method, an invalid identifier and an unavailable resource are different conditions. Use the resolver’s result and metadata instead of treating every failure as proof that an identity does not exist.
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Check your understanding
Does appending #key-1 to a DID authenticate someone?
No. It identifies a resource; authentication still needs proof for the request.