How to build a public Frame.io integration: Building the Auth Flow

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the world of Frame.io integrations? Let's roll up our sleeves and build an auth flow that'll make your users feel like VIPs at a red carpet event. 🎬

Introduction

Frame.io's API is a powerhouse for video collaboration, and we're about to tap into that potential. But first things first – we need to nail the authorization flow. It's like the bouncer at an exclusive club; get it right, and you're in for a great time.

Prerequisites

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

• A Frame.io developer account (if you don't have one, go grab it – it's free!)
• A solid grasp on OAuth 2.0 (don't worry, we'll refresh your memory)
• Node.js and Express.js ready to rock

Got all that? Awesome! Let's get this party started.

Setting up the Frame.io Application

First stop: the Frame.io Developer Portal. It's time to create your app's VIP pass.

1. Log in and create a new application.
2. Snag your client ID and client secret – treat these like your most prized possessions.
3. Set up your redirect URI. This is where Frame.io will send your users after they've logged in.

Implementing the Authorization Flow

Initiating the auth request

Time to roll out the red carpet for your users:

const authUrl = `https://applications.frame.io/oauth2/auth?client_id=${clientId}&redirect_uri=${redirectUri}&response_type=code&scope=offline`;

res.redirect(authUrl);

This little snippet will whisk your users away to Frame.io's login page. Fancy, right?

Handling the callback

Once your user's done the login dance, Frame.io will pirouette them back to your redirect URI with a shiny authorization code. Let's exchange that for some tokens:

app.get('/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  
  const tokenResponse = await axios.post('https://applications.frame.io/oauth2/token', {
    grant_type: 'authorization_code',
    client_id: clientId,
    client_secret: clientSecret,
    code,
    redirect_uri: redirectUri
  });

  const { access_token, refresh_token } = tokenResponse.data;
  
  // Store these tokens securely - they're your golden tickets!
});

Making Authenticated Requests

Now that you've got your access token, you're part of the Frame.io inner circle. Use it wisely:

const response = await axios.get('https://api.frame.io/v2/me', {
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}`
  }
});

But remember, access tokens don't last forever. When it expires, use that refresh token to get a new one. It's like having a backstage pass that never runs out!

Best Practices

• Keep your client secret under lock and key. Seriously, it's called a secret for a reason.
• Implement PKCE for an extra layer of security. It's like having a personal bodyguard for your auth flow.
• Handle errors gracefully. Nobody likes a crashy app, right?

Testing the Integration

Before you pop the champagne, make sure everything's working smoothly:

1. Run through the auth flow yourself.
2. Check that your tokens are valid and doing their job.
3. Try some API calls and make sure you're getting the responses you expect.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a rock-solid auth flow for your Frame.io integration. Pat yourself on the back – you've earned it.

Remember, this is just the beginning. With this foundation, you can start building some seriously cool features. The Frame.io API is your oyster!

Additional Resources

Want to dive deeper? Check out:

• Frame.io API Documentation
• OAuth 2.0 Specifications
• Axios for making those API requests a breeze

Now go forth and create something awesome. The world of video collaboration is waiting for your next big idea!