How to build a public Close integration: Building the Auth Flow

Aug 11, 2024 • 7 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of Close integrations? Today, we're going to walk through building a rock-solid authorization flow for your user-facing Close integration. Buckle up, because we're about to make your integration secure and seamless!

The Lowdown on Close API and Auth

Before we jump in, let's quickly touch on why we're here. Close's API is a powerhouse for CRM integrations, and nailing the auth flow is crucial for keeping your users' data safe and sound. We're talking OAuth 2.0, folks – the gold standard of API security.

What You'll Need

Alright, let's make sure you're geared up:

Close API credentials (you've got these, right?)
A Node.js environment with Express.js
Your OAuth 2.0 A-game

If you're nodding along, great! If not, take a quick detour to get these sorted, and we'll be here when you get back.

Setting Up Shop

First things first, let's get our project off the ground:

mkdir close-integration && cd close-integration
npm init -y
npm install express axios dotenv

Environment Variables: Your Secret Sauce

Create a .env file in your project root and add these bad boys:

CLOSE_CLIENT_ID=your_client_id_here
CLOSE_CLIENT_SECRET=your_client_secret_here
REDIRECT_URI=http://localhost:3000/callback

Remember, keep this file out of version control. It's your secret recipe!

The Authorization Kickoff

Let's create an endpoint to start the auth dance:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
require('dotenv').config();

app.get('/auth', (req, res) => {
  const authUrl = `https://app.close.com/oauth2/authorize/?client_id=${process.env.CLOSE_CLIENT_ID}&redirect_uri=${encodeURIComponent(process.env.REDIRECT_URI)}`;
  res.redirect(authUrl);
});

This little nugget will send your users to Close's login page. Neat, huh?

Handling the Callback

When Close redirects back, we need to be ready:

app.get('/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  // We'll use this code in the next step!
  // For now, let's just acknowledge it
  res.send('Authorization successful! Check the console.');
  console.log('Authorization code:', code);
});

Trading Code for Tokens

Now for the good stuff – let's exchange that code for an access token:

const axios = require('axios');

// ... inside your callback route
const tokenResponse = await axios.post('https://api.close.com/oauth2/token/', {
  client_id: process.env.CLOSE_CLIENT_ID,
  client_secret: process.env.CLOSE_CLIENT_SECRET,
  code,
  grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  redirect_uri: process.env.REDIRECT_URI
});

const { access_token, refresh_token } = tokenResponse.data;
// Store these securely - we'll talk about this soon!

Keeping It Fresh

Tokens don't last forever, so let's add a refresh mechanism:

async function refreshAccessToken(refresh_token) {
  const response = await axios.post('https://api.close.com/oauth2/token/', {
    client_id: process.env.CLOSE_CLIENT_ID,
    client_secret: process.env.CLOSE_CLIENT_SECRET,
    refresh_token,
    grant_type: 'refresh_token'
  });
  return response.data.access_token;
}

Making It Rain (API Calls)

With your shiny new token, you're ready to rock the Close API:

async function makeApiCall(access_token) {
  try {
    const response = await axios.get('https://api.close.com/api/v1/me/', {
      headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${access_token}` }
    });
    console.log('API call successful:', response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    if (error.response && error.response.status === 401) {
      // Time to refresh that token!
      const new_token = await refreshAccessToken(refresh_token);
      // Update stored token and retry the call
    }
  }
}

Handling the Curveballs

Remember to account for:

Invalid tokens (refresh or re-authenticate)
Users saying "no thanks" to authorization (graceful error handling)
Network hiccups (retry with exponential backoff)

Locking It Down

A few pro tips to keep things tight:

Always use HTTPS in production
Store tokens securely (consider encryption at rest)
Use the principle of least privilege with API scopes

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! You've just built a robust auth flow for your Close integration. Pat yourself on the back – you're well on your way to creating something awesome.

What's Next?

Now that you've got the auth flow down, the world of Close integration is your oyster. Think about what cool features you can add to make your users' lives easier. The sky's the limit!

Want to Learn More?

Check out these resources to level up your Close integration game:

Happy coding, and may your integrations be ever smooth and secure! 🚀