Step by Step Guide to Building an EZ Texting API Integration in Python

Hey there, fellow code wranglers! Ready to add some texting superpowers to your Python project? Let's dive into building an integration with the EZ Texting API. We'll keep things snappy and to the point, so you can get up and running in no time.

Introduction

EZ Texting's API is a nifty tool that lets you send SMS messages programmatically. Whether you're building a notification system, a marketing campaign, or just want to annoy your friends with automated cat facts, this integration has got you covered.

Prerequisites

Before we jump in, make sure you've got:

• Python 3.7+
• requests library
• An EZ Texting account with API credentials

If you're missing any of these, no worries! A quick pip install and a sign-up form will sort you out.

Setting Up the Environment

First things first, let's get our environment ready:

pip install requests

Now, let's keep those API credentials safe:

import os

EZ_TEXTING_USERNAME = os.environ.get('EZ_TEXTING_USERNAME')
EZ_TEXTING_PASSWORD = os.environ.get('EZ_TEXTING_PASSWORD')

Pro tip: Use environment variables to keep your secrets... well, secret!

Basic API Connection

Time to create our API client:

import requests

class EZTextingClient:
    BASE_URL = 'https://api.eztexting.com/v4'
    
    def __init__(self, username, password):
        self.auth = (username, password)
    
    def _request(self, method, endpoint, **kwargs):
        url = f"{self.BASE_URL}/{endpoint}"
        response = requests.request(method, url, auth=self.auth, **kwargs)
        response.raise_for_status()
        return response.json()

Implementing Core Functionality

Sending SMS

Let's add a method to send those messages flying:

def send_sms(self, phone_number, message):
    endpoint = 'sms'
    data = {
        'phoneNumber': phone_number,
        'message': message
    }
    return self._request('POST', endpoint, json=data)

Checking Message Status

Curious about your message's journey? Let's check its status:

def check_message_status(self, message_id):
    endpoint = f'sms/{message_id}'
    return self._request('GET', endpoint)

Retrieving Message History

For when you need to take a trip down memory lane:

def get_message_history(self, limit=100):
    endpoint = 'sms'
    params = {'limit': limit}
    return self._request('GET', endpoint, params=params)

Managing Contacts and Groups

Let's not forget about organizing those contacts:

def create_contact(self, phone_number, first_name, last_name):
    endpoint = 'contacts'
    data = {
        'phoneNumber': phone_number,
        'firstName': first_name,
        'lastName': last_name
    }
    return self._request('POST', endpoint, json=data)

def create_group(self, group_name):
    endpoint = 'groups'
    data = {'name': group_name}
    return self._request('POST', endpoint, json=data)

Error Handling and Rate Limiting

Let's add some robustness to our client:

import time
from requests.exceptions import RequestException

class EZTextingError(Exception):
    pass

def _request(self, method, endpoint, **kwargs):
    max_retries = 3
    for attempt in range(max_retries):
        try:
            response = requests.request(method, f"{self.BASE_URL}/{endpoint}", auth=self.auth, **kwargs)
            response.raise_for_status()
            return response.json()
        except RequestException as e:
            if attempt == max_retries - 1:
                raise EZTextingError(f"API request failed: {str(e)}")
            time.sleep(2 ** attempt)  # Exponential backoff

Advanced Features

Scheduling Messages

For when you want to send messages from the future:

def schedule_sms(self, phone_number, message, send_at):
    endpoint = 'sms'
    data = {
        'phoneNumber': phone_number,
        'message': message,
        'sendAt': send_at.isoformat()
    }
    return self._request('POST', endpoint, json=data)

Using Templates

Templates make life easier, so let's use them:

def send_template(self, phone_number, template_id, template_data):
    endpoint = 'sms/template'
    data = {
        'phoneNumber': phone_number,
        'templateId': template_id,
        'templateData': template_data
    }
    return self._request('POST', endpoint, json=data)

Testing the Integration

Don't forget to test! Here's a quick example:

import unittest

class TestEZTextingClient(unittest.TestCase):
    def setUp(self):
        self.client = EZTextingClient(EZ_TEXTING_USERNAME, EZ_TEXTING_PASSWORD)

    def test_send_sms(self):
        response = self.client.send_sms('+1234567890', 'Hello, World!')
        self.assertIn('id', response)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    unittest.main()

Best Practices and Optimization

• Keep your code modular and follow PEP 8 guidelines.
• Use async operations for better performance when dealing with multiple requests.
• Implement proper logging for easier debugging.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a solid EZ Texting API integration in Python. Remember, this is just the beginning – there's always room to expand and improve. Keep exploring the API docs for more features you can add to your integration.

Happy coding, and may your messages always reach their destination!

Sample Code Repository

For the full implementation and more examples, check out our GitHub repo: [link to your GitHub repo]

Now go forth and text with the power of Python! 🐍📱