How to build a public Product Hunt integration: Building the Auth Flow

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the world of Product Hunt integrations? Let's roll up our sleeves and build an auth flow that'll make your users feel like VIPs at the hottest tech party in town.

Introduction

Product Hunt's API is a goldmine for developers looking to tap into the latest and greatest in tech products. But before we can start mining, we need to get past the bouncer – and that's where our auth flow comes in. It's not just about getting in; it's about doing it right and keeping our users' trust intact.

Prerequisites

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

• Your Product Hunt API credentials (if you don't have them, go grab 'em!)
• A Node.js environment with Express.js ready to rock

Got all that? Great! Let's get this show on the road.

Setting up the OAuth 2.0 flow

First things first, we need to set up our OAuth 2.0 client. It's like getting your VIP pass ready before the big event.

const { AuthorizationCode } = require('simple-oauth2');

const client = new AuthorizationCode({
  client: {
    id: process.env.PH_CLIENT_ID,
    secret: process.env.PH_CLIENT_SECRET,
  },
  auth: {
    tokenHost: 'https://api.producthunt.com',
    tokenPath: '/v2/oauth/token',
    authorizePath: '/v2/oauth/authorize',
  },
});

Make sure to keep those credentials safe in your environment variables. No sharing your VIP pass, okay?

Implementing the authorization request

Now, let's create that magic link that'll send our users to Product Hunt for the green light:

app.get('/auth', (req, res) => {
  const authorizationUri = client.authorizeURL({
    redirect_uri: 'http://localhost:3000/callback',
    scope: 'public private',
  });
  res.redirect(authorizationUri);
});

This is like your bouncer escorting the user to the VIP line. Fancy, right?

Handling the callback

When Product Hunt sends the user back, we need to be ready to greet them:

app.get('/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  // We'll use this code in the next step
});

Exchanging the code for an access token

Time to trade in that temporary pass for the real deal:

const tokenParams = {
  code,
  redirect_uri: 'http://localhost:3000/callback',
};

try {
  const accessToken = await client.getToken(tokenParams);
  // Store this token securely - it's your user's VIP pass!
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Access Token Error', error.message);
  res.status(500).json('Authentication failed');
}

Refreshing the access token

Even VIP passes expire. Let's make sure we can refresh them:

if (accessToken.expired()) {
  try {
    const refreshedToken = await accessToken.refresh();
    // Update your stored token
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error refreshing access token:', error.message);
  }
}

Making authenticated requests

Now that we're in, let's start mingling:

const axios = require('axios');

const apiRequest = axios.create({
  baseURL: 'https://api.producthunt.com/v2/',
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${accessToken.token.access_token}`,
  },
});

// Now you can make requests like:
apiRequest.get('me').then(response => console.log(response.data));

Remember to play nice with the API rate limits. We don't want to wear out our welcome!

Error handling and edge cases

Always be prepared for when things don't go as planned:

apiRequest.get('some_endpoint')
  .then(response => {
    // Handle successful response
  })
  .catch(error => {
    if (error.response && error.response.status === 401) {
      // Time to refresh that token!
    } else {
      // Handle other types of errors
    }
  });

Security considerations

Keep your users' data locked up tight:

• Always use HTTPS in production
• Implement CSRF protection
• Never expose tokens in URLs or client-side code

Testing the integration

Before you launch, give your integration a thorough test drive:

• Try the happy path (everything works perfectly)
• Test error scenarios (what if Product Hunt is down?)
• Automate your tests for ongoing peace of mind

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a slick auth flow for your Product Hunt integration. Your users can now strut into the Product Hunt API like they own the place.

Remember, this is just the beginning. With this solid foundation, you can start building some truly awesome features. The Product Hunt world is your oyster – go make something amazing!

Happy coding, and may your products always be hunted! 🚀