How to build a public Jira Software Cloud integration: Building the Auth Flow

Aug 11, 2024 • 7 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of Jira Software Cloud integrations? Today, we're going to focus on one of the most crucial aspects of building a public integration: the authorization flow. Buckle up, because we're about to make your integration secure and user-friendly!

Introduction

Building a Jira Software Cloud integration can be a game-changer for your users. But let's face it, without a solid authorization flow, your integration is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. We're talking about the backbone of your app's security here, folks!

Prerequisites

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

A Jira Software Cloud account (duh!)
A registered Atlassian app (you're not winging it, right?)
Node.js and npm installed (because we're not cavemen)

Setting up the project

Let's get this party started:

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

Boom! You're ready to rock.

Implementing OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code Flow

Configure environment variables

Create a .env file and add your app's credentials:

ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_ID=your_client_id
ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_SECRET=your_client_secret
REDIRECT_URI=http://localhost:3000/callback

Create authorization request endpoint

In your app.js:

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

app.get('/auth', (req, res) => {
  const authUrl = `https://auth.atlassian.com/authorize?audience=api.atlassian.com&client_id=${process.env.ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_ID}&scope=read%3Ajira-work&redirect_uri=${process.env.REDIRECT_URI}&response_type=code&prompt=consent`;
  res.redirect(authUrl);
});

Implement callback endpoint

app.get('/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  // We'll exchange this code for an access token next
});

Exchange authorization code for access token

const axios = require('axios');

app.get('/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  
  try {
    const response = await axios.post('https://auth.atlassian.com/oauth/token', {
      grant_type: 'authorization_code',
      client_id: process.env.ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_ID,
      client_secret: process.env.ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_SECRET,
      code,
      redirect_uri: process.env.REDIRECT_URI
    });

    const { access_token, refresh_token } = response.data;
    // Store these tokens securely
    res.send('Authorization successful!');
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error exchanging code for token:', error);
    res.status(500).send('Authorization failed');
  }
});

Store and manage tokens

For the love of all that is holy, please don't store these tokens in plain text! Use a secure method like encryption or a secure database. But for now, let's pretend we're storing them in memory (don't do this in production!):

let tokens = {};

// After successful token exchange
tokens = { access_token, refresh_token };

Handling token refresh

When your access token expires, don't panic! We've got a refresh token for that:

async function refreshToken() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.post('https://auth.atlassian.com/oauth/token', {
      grant_type: 'refresh_token',
      client_id: process.env.ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_ID,
      client_secret: process.env.ATLASSIAN_CLIENT_SECRET,
      refresh_token: tokens.refresh_token
    });

    tokens = {
      access_token: response.data.access_token,
      refresh_token: response.data.refresh_token
    };
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error refreshing token:', error);
  }
}

Securing the integration

Security isn't just a fancy word to throw around at parties. It's crucial! Here are some tips:

Always use HTTPS in production
Implement PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange) for added security
Store tokens securely (seriously, we mean it!)

Testing the auth flow

Create a simple HTML page to test your flow:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
  <button onclick="window.location.href='/auth'">Authorize Jira</button>
</body>
</html>

Best practices and considerations

Handle errors gracefully. Users don't speak "stack trace"
Implement rate limiting to avoid angry emails from Atlassian
Log important events, but for the love of privacy, don't log sensitive data!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! You've just built the authorization flow for your Jira Software Cloud integration. Pat yourself on the back, you've earned it! Remember, this is just the beginning. Now you can start building out the rest of your integration with the confidence that your auth flow is solid.

Resources

Now go forth and integrate! Your users will thank you for making their Jira experience even more awesome. Happy coding!