Auto generated password vs Create password when registering

FlarumPower

I have been thinking about the pros and cons of the following two systems when registering an account.

1) The user simply enters email address and an account is created. The password is emailed to them and can be changed whenever they want.

2) The classic - user enters email and a password of their choice

Which system is better for registration and what are your thoughts?

jordanjay29

FlarumPower most auto-generated passwords suck and aren't something I will remember. Those who use password applications already have the means to generate random passwords for their usage. The only way I'd find the first method useful is to register someone else and let the system create a one-time password for them.

FlarumPower

jordanjay29 Excellent points. But in a situation such as creating an account to buy something, wouldn't it be better to have a seamless transaction without worrying about thinking of a new password.

jordanjay29

FlarumPower Many sites that I've encountered will do a ghost account with just your email for that singular transaction (will send an order receipt and shipping details to that email) when you select "Checkout as a Guest." Others will offer the ability to create an account, but it requires both an email and password of your choosing. Most auto-generated passwords are intended to be changed. I can't see them being useful in this case, but it's such a niche case anyway (most of the time when I register an account, I do so because I want a repeat interaction with the site).