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

Aug 14, 2024 • 6 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of LearnWorlds integration? Let's roll up our sleeves and build a rock-solid authorization flow that'll make your users feel like they're walking on cloud nine.

Introduction

LearnWorlds is a powerhouse in the e-learning space, and their API is your ticket to creating some seriously cool integrations. But before we can start playing with all the shiny features, we need to nail down a secure authorization flow. Trust me, it's the foundation that'll make or break your integration.

Prerequisites

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

LearnWorlds API credentials (you're awesome if you've already got these)
A Node.js environment set up and ready to go
A basic understanding of OAuth 2.0 (don't worry, we'll refresh your memory)

Setting up the project

Let's get this party started:

mkdir learnworlds-integration
cd learnworlds-integration
npm init -y
npm install express axios

Great! Now you've got a blank canvas to work with.

Implementing the Authorization Flow

Create authorization URL

First things first, we need to craft a beautiful authorization URL:

const authUrl = `https://yourschool.learnworlds.com/oauth2/authorize?client_id=${clientId}&redirect_uri=${redirectUri}&response_type=code&scope=read_user_profile`;

Send your users to this URL, and they'll be whisked away to the LearnWorlds authorization page.

Handle authorization callback

Set up a route to catch that callback:

app.get('/callback', (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  // Time to exchange this code for an access token!
});

Exchange code for access token

Now for the good stuff:

const tokenResponse = await axios.post('https://yourschool.learnworlds.com/oauth2/token', {
  grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  code,
  client_id: clientId,
  client_secret: clientSecret,
  redirect_uri: redirectUri
});

const { access_token, refresh_token } = tokenResponse.data;

Boom! You've got your access token. Treat it like gold.

Refresh token handling

Don't forget to keep things fresh:

const refreshTokens = async (refreshToken) => {
  const response = await axios.post('https://yourschool.learnworlds.com/oauth2/token', {
    grant_type: 'refresh_token',
    refresh_token: refreshToken,
    client_id: clientId,
    client_secret: clientSecret
  });

  return response.data;
};

Making authenticated requests

Time to put that access token to work:

const getUserProfile = async (accessToken) => {
  const response = await axios.get('https://yourschool.learnworlds.com/api/v2/user', {
    headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${accessToken}` }
  });

  return response.data;
};

Error handling and edge cases

Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Be prepared:

try {
  // Your API call here
} catch (error) {
  if (error.response && error.response.status === 401) {
    // Time to refresh that token!
  } else if (error.response && error.response.status === 429) {
    // Whoa there, cowboy! Slow down those API calls.
  }
}

Security considerations

Store tokens securely (please, no plain text files)
Always use HTTPS (it's 2023, folks)
Be stingy with your scopes (least privilege is your friend)

Testing the integration

Manual testing is great, but automated tests are your new best friend. Consider using Jest for some slick unit and integration tests.

Conclusion

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

Remember, this is just the beginning. With this foundation, you can now explore all the amazing features the LearnWorlds API has to offer. The e-learning world is your oyster!

Additional resources

Now go forth and build something awesome! And hey, if you run into any snags, remember: every bug is just an opportunity to learn something new. Happy coding!