Step by Step Guide to Building a LionDesk API Integration in C#

Introduction

Hey there, fellow developer! Ready to dive into the world of LionDesk API integration? You're in for a treat. LionDesk's API is a powerful tool that'll let you tap into their CRM capabilities, and we're going to walk through building that integration in C#. Buckle up!

Prerequisites

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

• A LionDesk account with API credentials (if you don't have these, hop over to their developer portal and get set up)
• Your favorite C# development environment (Visual Studio, Rider, whatever floats your boat)
• NuGet packages: Newtonsoft.Json and RestSharp (trust me, they'll make your life easier)

Authentication

First things first, let's get you authenticated:

public async Task<string> GetAccessToken()
{
    var client = new RestClient("https://api.liondesk.com/oauth2/token");
    var request = new RestRequest(Method.POST);
    request.AddParameter("grant_type", "client_credentials");
    request.AddParameter("client_id", "YOUR_CLIENT_ID");
    request.AddParameter("client_secret", "YOUR_CLIENT_SECRET");

    var response = await client.ExecuteAsync(request);
    var tokenResponse = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<TokenResponse>(response.Content);
    return tokenResponse.AccessToken;
}

Pro tip: Implement token refresh to keep your integration running smoothly!

Setting up the API Client

Let's create a base API client class:

public class LionDeskApiClient
{
    private readonly string _accessToken;
    private readonly RestClient _client;

    public LionDeskApiClient(string accessToken)
    {
        _accessToken = accessToken;
        _client = new RestClient("https://api.liondesk.com/");
    }

    protected async Task<T> ExecuteRequest<T>(RestRequest request)
    {
        request.AddHeader("Authorization", $"Bearer {_accessToken}");
        var response = await _client.ExecuteAsync(request);
        return JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<T>(response.Content);
    }
}

Implementing Core API Endpoints

Now, let's implement some core endpoints. Here's an example for contacts:

public class ContactsClient : LionDeskApiClient
{
    public ContactsClient(string accessToken) : base(accessToken) { }

    public async Task<List<Contact>> GetContacts()
    {
        var request = new RestRequest("contacts", Method.GET);
        return await ExecuteRequest<List<Contact>>(request);
    }

    // Add more methods for other contact operations
}

Repeat this pattern for tasks, deals, and custom fields. You've got this!

Error Handling and Logging

Don't forget to wrap your API calls in try-catch blocks and log responses:

try
{
    var contacts = await contactsClient.GetContacts();
    Log.Information($"Retrieved {contacts.Count} contacts");
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Log.Error(ex, "Error retrieving contacts");
}

Data Mapping and Serialization

Create model classes that match the LionDesk API responses:

public class Contact
{
    [JsonProperty("id")]
    public string Id { get; set; }

    [JsonProperty("first_name")]
    public string FirstName { get; set; }

    // Add other properties
}

Implementing Pagination and Filtering

Handle those API limits like a pro:

public async Task<List<Contact>> GetContacts(int page = 1, int pageSize = 100)
{
    var request = new RestRequest("contacts", Method.GET);
    request.AddQueryParameter("page", page.ToString());
    request.AddQueryParameter("per_page", pageSize.ToString());
    return await ExecuteRequest<List<Contact>>(request);
}

Webhook Integration

If you're feeling adventurous, set up webhook endpoints to receive real-time updates:

[HttpPost("webhook")]
public IActionResult HandleWebhook([FromBody] WebhookPayload payload)
{
    // Process the webhook payload
    return Ok();
}

Testing and Validation

Don't skip testing! Write unit tests for your core functionality and integration tests using the LionDesk sandbox.

Best Practices and Optimization

Remember to respect rate limits and implement caching where it makes sense. Your future self will thank you!

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a solid LionDesk API integration in C#. Pat yourself on the back – you've earned it. For more details, check out the LionDesk API docs, and keep coding, you awesome developer!