A reliable and secure API connection is vital for efficient data exchange between applications. The Betty Blocks platform offers the setting of such connections through the configurations segment. In this article, we will cover the essential steps while setting up an API connection with an external system and point toward the articles that you may need to configure a future data exchange with your Betty Blocks application.
Credentials
When you integrate external services (APIs) into your Betty Blocks application, the credentials you use are the most important part. Before going live with your application, you must ensure that you have the necessary credentials for the production environment. These credentials serve as the key to connecting your application with external systems securely. Below you can see the example of credentials filled while adding a new configuration to your application:
It's crucial to integrate these credentials into your application's configurations, ensuring a seamless transition when you go live. This means that the production environment should be fully configured and ready before receiving the production credentials.
Configurations and sandboxes
Betty Blocks allows you to create different sandbox environments for testing and development. While you can use the same configurations in a sandbox for testing, for example, it's important to have different (and final) settings for the production environment.
Ideally, if an external API provides a test or acceptance environment, you should configure and use it in your sandbox environment. This practice prevents you from testing against the live production environment of the external system, which can lead to unwanted errors and data mishaps.
Finalizing configurations
Only after you have carefully tested your production environment and everything is set for deployment, should you acquire the production credentials. This step ensures that your Betty Blocks application is ready to connect with the live environment of external systems smoothly.
An example of this process can be setting up email configuration, which is the most typical among external API connections. Such configuration adjustments should take place as soon as you're ready to take your application live.
Common pitfalls
When setting up API connections in Betty Blocks, you may face some common pitfalls. So our advice is to create a checklist of considerations to prevent issues like:
Firewall and antivirus: Make sure to disable any firewalls or antivirus software that might block your application from connecting to external APIs. These security measures can inadvertently hinder data exchange.
API availability: Confirm whether the external API is compatible with Betty Blocks applications. Ensure that the Betty Blocks application can reach the external API by checking network configurations. Without proper connectivity, your application won't function as intended.
Testing and configuration: Thoroughly test your API integration and ensure it's configured correctly. Depending on the external system, you may need to make specific adjustments on their end.
Using this set of advice and links provided, you will be able to set up your API connections without facing issues. But if you went through the whole checklist and came across some unknown error, please, don't hesitate to reach out to our support!