Step by Step Guide to Building a PandaDoc API Integration in Ruby

Hey there, fellow Ruby enthusiast! Ready to supercharge your document workflows with PandaDoc? Let's dive into building a sleek API integration that'll have you creating, sending, and managing documents like a pro.

Introduction

PandaDoc's API is a powerhouse for document automation. Whether you're looking to streamline your sales process or just tired of the manual document grind, this integration is your ticket to efficiency paradise.

Prerequisites

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

• Ruby 2.7+ (because who doesn't love the latest and greatest?)
• The httparty gem (our HTTP request sidekick)
• A PandaDoc API key (your golden ticket to the API world)

Setting Up the Project

Let's get this show on the road:

mkdir pandadoc_integration
cd pandadoc_integration
bundle init

Now, crack open that Gemfile and add:

gem 'httparty'

Run bundle install, and we're off to the races!

Authentication

Time to make friends with the PandaDoc API:

require 'httparty'

class PandaDocClient
  include HTTParty
  base_uri 'https://api.pandadoc.com/public/v1'

  def initialize(api_key)
    @options = {
      headers: {
        'Authorization' => "API-Key #{api_key}",
        'Content-Type' => 'application/json'
      }
    }
  end

  # We'll add more methods here soon!
end

Core API Integration Steps

Creating a Document

Let's breathe life into a new document:

def create_document(name, recipients, content)
  self.class.post('/documents', {
    body: {
      name: name,
      recipients: recipients,
      content: content
    }.to_json,
    **@options
  })
end

Retrieving Document Details

Curious about your document? Let's check it out:

def get_document(document_id)
  self.class.get("/documents/#{document_id}", @options)
end

Sending a Document for Signature

Time to get those John Hancocks:

def send_document(document_id)
  self.class.post("/documents/#{document_id}/send", @options)
end

Checking Document Status

Is it signed yet? Let's find out:

def document_status(document_id)
  self.class.get("/documents/#{document_id}", @options)
end

Downloading a Completed Document

Victory lap time - let's grab that signed document:

def download_document(document_id)
  self.class.get("/documents/#{document_id}/download", @options)
end

Error Handling

Nobody likes nasty surprises. Let's add some error handling:

def handle_response(response)
  case response.code
  when 200..299
    response
  when 400..499
    raise "Client error: #{response.code} - #{response.body}"
  when 500..599
    raise "Server error: #{response.code} - #{response.body}"
  else
    raise "Unknown error: #{response.code} - #{response.body}"
  end
end

Now, wrap your API calls with this method for smooth sailing.

Testing the Integration

Time to put our creation through its paces:

require 'minitest/autorun'

class TestPandaDocIntegration < Minitest::Test
  def setup
    @client = PandaDocClient.new('your-api-key-here')
  end

  def test_create_document
    response = @client.create_document('Test Doc', [{email: '[email protected]'}], 'Hello, World!')
    assert_equal 201, response.code
  end

  # Add more tests for other methods
end

Best Practices

• Keep your API key secret and secure. Use environment variables!
• Respect rate limits. PandaDoc isn't a fan of spam.
• Cache responses when possible to reduce API calls.

Advanced Features

Feeling adventurous? Try implementing webhooks to get real-time updates on document status changes. Or dive into custom document templates for that extra polish.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a robust PandaDoc API integration in Ruby. From creating documents to downloading signed copies, you're now a document automation wizard.

Remember, this is just the beginning. The PandaDoc API has tons more features to explore. So go forth and automate those documents like there's no tomorrow!

Happy coding, Rubyist! 🚀📄