How to build a public Hubspot Marketing Hub integration: Building the Auth Flow

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of Hubspot Marketing Hub integrations? Let's focus on the most crucial part: building a rock-solid auth flow. Buckle up, because we're about to make your integration secure and user-friendly in no time.

Introduction

Integrating with Hubspot's Marketing Hub can be a game-changer for your app. But let's face it, without a proper auth flow, you're basically leaving your front door wide open. We don't want that, do we? So, let's build an auth flow that's tighter than a drum but smooth as silk for your users.

Prerequisites

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

• A Hubspot developer account (if you don't have one, what are you waiting for?)
• Node.js and Express.js set up (I know you've got this)
• A basic grasp of OAuth 2.0 (don't worry, we'll refresh your memory)

Setting up the Hubspot App

First things first, let's get your app registered with Hubspot:

1. Head over to the Hubspot developer portal and create a new app.
2. Configure your OAuth scopes. Be specific – only ask for what you need.
3. Set your redirect URI. This is where Hubspot will send your users after they've granted permissions.

Implementing the Auth Flow

Now for the fun part! Let's break this down into manageable chunks:

Initiating the OAuth process

const hubspot = require('@hubspot/api-client');

const hubspotClient = new hubspot.Client();

app.get('/auth', (req, res) => {
  const authUrl = hubspotClient.oauth.getAuthorizationUrl({
    clientId: 'your_client_id',
    redirectUri: 'your_redirect_uri',
    scopes: ['contacts', 'content'],
  });
  res.redirect(authUrl);
});

This kicks off the process by redirecting your user to Hubspot's login page.

Handling the callback

app.get('/oauth-callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  
  try {
    const { accessToken, refreshToken } = await hubspotClient.oauth.tokenExchange({
      code,
      clientId: 'your_client_id',
      clientSecret: 'your_client_secret',
      redirectUri: 'your_redirect_uri',
    });
    
    // Store these tokens securely!
    storeTokens(accessToken, refreshToken);
    
    res.send('Authentication successful!');
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error during token exchange:', error);
    res.status(500).send('Authentication failed');
  }
});

This handles the callback from Hubspot, exchanging the code for access and refresh tokens.

Refreshing Access Tokens

Keep your integration running smoothly with token refreshes:

async function refreshAccessToken(refreshToken) {
  try {
    const { accessToken, refreshToken: newRefreshToken } = await hubspotClient.oauth.refreshAccessToken({
      refreshToken,
      clientId: 'your_client_id',
      clientSecret: 'your_client_secret',
    });
    
    // Update stored tokens
    updateStoredTokens(accessToken, newRefreshToken);
    
    return accessToken;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error refreshing token:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

Making Authenticated Requests

Now that you're authenticated, let's put those tokens to work:

async function getContacts() {
  try {
    const accessToken = await getStoredAccessToken();
    hubspotClient.setAccessToken(accessToken);
    const apiResponse = await hubspotClient.crm.contacts.basicApi.getPage();
    return apiResponse.results;
  } catch (error) {
    if (error.statusCode === 401) {
      // Token expired, refresh and retry
      const newAccessToken = await refreshAccessToken(getStoredRefreshToken());
      hubspotClient.setAccessToken(newAccessToken);
      return getContacts();
    }
    throw error;
  }
}

Best Practices

• Secure token storage: Please, for the love of all that is holy, don't store these tokens in plain text. Use encryption, use secure storage solutions, just keep them safe!
• Implement PKCE: For public clients, PKCE adds an extra layer of security. It's like putting a deadbolt on top of your regular lock.
• Rate limiting: Be a good netizen. Implement rate limiting to avoid hammering Hubspot's servers.

Testing the Auth Flow

Before you pop the champagne, make sure to thoroughly test your auth flow:

1. Try the happy path (everything works perfectly).
2. Test with invalid credentials.
3. Simulate token expiration and refresh.
4. Attempt to use revoked tokens.

Consider setting up automated tests to catch any future regressions. Your future self will thank you!

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a secure, user-friendly auth flow for your Hubspot Marketing Hub integration. Pat yourself on the back – you've taken a big step towards creating a killer integration.

Remember, the auth flow is the foundation of your integration. Get this right, and you're setting yourself up for success. Keep iterating, keep improving, and most importantly, keep building awesome stuff!

Additional Resources

• Hubspot API documentation
• OAuth 2.0 RFC
• node-hubspot package

Now go forth and integrate! Your users are waiting for the amazing features you're about to unleash. Happy coding!