Reading and Writing Data Using the Bloomerang API

Hey there, fellow JavaScript devs! Ready to dive into the world of Bloomerang API and data syncing? Let's get our hands dirty with some code and explore how to create a smooth, user-facing integration.

Setting the Stage

Bloomerang's API is a powerful tool for managing donor data, and when it comes to user-facing integrations, syncing that data efficiently is crucial. We're going to walk through the process, from setup to implementation, with plenty of code examples along the way.

Getting Started with the Bloomerang API Client

First things first, let's set up our API client. You'll need to install the Bloomerang SDK and configure it with your API key:

const Bloomerang = require('bloomerang-sdk');

const client = new Bloomerang.ApiClient();
client.authentications['ApiKey'].apiKey = 'YOUR_API_KEY';

Pro tip: Always keep your API keys secure and out of your version control!

Reading Data: Fetching the Good Stuff

Grabbing Constituent Data

Let's start by fetching some constituent info:

const constituentsApi = new Bloomerang.ConstituentsApi(client);

constituentsApi.getConstituent(constituentId)
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(error => console.error(error));

Diving into Transaction History

Need transaction data? We've got you covered:

const transactionsApi = new Bloomerang.TransactionsApi(client);

const getTransactions = async (page = 1, size = 20) => {
  try {
    const response = await transactionsApi.getTransactions(page, size);
    console.log(response.data);
    if (response.hasMore) {
      await getTransactions(page + 1, size);
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
};

getTransactions();

Writing Data: Making Your Mark

Creating New Constituents

Time to add some fresh faces to the database:

const newConstituent = {
  firstName: 'Jane',
  lastName: 'Doe',
  email: '[email protected]'
};

constituentsApi.createConstituent(newConstituent)
  .then(response => console.log('Created:', response))
  .catch(error => console.error(error));

Updating Existing Records

Got some changes? Let's update that record:

const updatedInfo = {
  firstName: 'Janet',
  preferredPhone: '555-1234'
};

constituentsApi.updateConstituent(constituentId, updatedInfo)
  .then(response => console.log('Updated:', response))
  .catch(error => console.error(error));

Implementing the Sync Dance

Syncing data is where the magic happens. Let's break it down:

Designing the Sync Process

Decide on your sync frequency and triggers. Maybe you want to sync every hour, or perhaps on specific user actions. Whatever you choose, make it consistent.

Handling Conflicts Like a Pro

Conflicts are inevitable. Here's a simple strategy to handle them:

const syncConstituent = async (localData, remoteData) => {
  if (localData.lastModified > remoteData.lastModified) {
    return constituentsApi.updateConstituent(remoteData.id, localData);
  } else if (localData.lastModified < remoteData.lastModified) {
    // Update local data with remote data
    return updateLocalConstituent(remoteData);
  }
  // Data is in sync, no action needed
  return Promise.resolve();
};

Optimizing for Speed

When you're dealing with a lot of records, batch operations are your friend:

const batchUpdate = async (constituents) => {
  const batchApi = new Bloomerang.BatchApi(client);
  const batch = constituents.map(c => ({
    method: 'PUT',
    url: `/v2/constituents/${c.id}`,
    body: c
  }));
  
  return batchApi.executeBatch({ operations: batch });
};

Staying in the Loop with Real-time Updates

Webhooks are great for keeping your data fresh. Here's a quick Express.js example:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();

app.post('/webhook', express.json(), (req, res) => {
  const { event, data } = req.body;
  console.log(`Received ${event} event:`, data);
  // Process the webhook data
  res.sendStatus(200);
});

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Webhook listener running on port 3000'));

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! We've covered the essentials of reading and writing data with the Bloomerang API, implementing a solid sync strategy, and even touched on real-time updates. Remember to always handle errors gracefully, log your sync activities for easy troubleshooting, and write tests to ensure your integration stays robust.

Keep exploring the Bloomerang API docs for more advanced features, and don't be afraid to experiment. Happy coding, and may your integrations be ever smooth and your data always in sync!