Quick Guide to Implementing Webhooks in Simpro

Hey there, fellow JavaScript ninja! Ready to level up your Simpro integration game? Let's dive into the world of webhooks and make your app dance to Simpro's real-time tune.

Prerequisites

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

• Simpro API credentials (you're a pro, so I'm sure you've got these)
• A Node.js environment (because, let's face it, who doesn't?)
• Your favorite npm packages (we'll be using axios and express)

Setting up a Webhook Endpoint

First things first, let's create a simple Express server to catch those juicy webhook events:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.use(express.json());

app.post('/webhook', (req, res) => {
  console.log('Webhook received:', req.body);
  res.sendStatus(200);
});

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Webhook server running on port 3000'));

Boom! You've got a basic webhook endpoint ready to rock.

Registering a Webhook with Simpro API

Now, let's tell Simpro where to send those sweet, sweet events:

const axios = require('axios');

async function registerWebhook() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.post('https://api.simpro.co/v1/webhooks', {
      url: 'https://your-domain.com/webhook',
      events: ['job.created', 'invoice.paid']
    }, {
      headers: {
        'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN'
      }
    });
    console.log('Webhook registered:', response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error registering webhook:', error.response.data);
  }
}

registerWebhook();

Replace YOUR_API_TOKEN with your actual token, and you're golden!

Handling Webhook Events

Time to do something useful with those incoming events:

app.post('/webhook', (req, res) => {
  const event = req.body;

  switch(event.type) {
    case 'job.created':
      handleNewJob(event.data);
      break;
    case 'invoice.paid':
      celebratePayment(event.data);
      break;
    default:
      console.log('Unhandled event type:', event.type);
  }

  res.sendStatus(200);
});

function handleNewJob(jobData) {
  console.log('New job created:', jobData.id);
  // Do something awesome with the new job
}

function celebratePayment(invoiceData) {
  console.log('Cha-ching! Invoice paid:', invoiceData.id);
  // Pop the champagne! 🍾
}

Testing Your Webhook

Ready to see your creation in action? Fire up ngrok to expose your local server:

ngrok http 3000

Copy that fancy ngrok URL and update your webhook registration. Then, head over to Simpro and trigger some test events. Watch your console light up like a Christmas tree!

Best Practices

• Handle errors like a boss: Wrap your event handling in try/catch blocks.
• Retry, retry, retry: If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again.
• Log it all: Future you will thank present you for detailed logs.

Common Use Cases

• Job status updates: Keep your customers in the loop.
• Invoice creation: Automate your billing process.
• Appointment scheduling: Sync calendars like a time-bending wizard.

Troubleshooting

Webhook not firing? Check these common culprits:

• Incorrect URL in webhook registration
• API token expired or invalid
• Event types not properly registered

Conclusion

And there you have it! You're now a Simpro webhook wizard. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and awesome integrations). Keep experimenting, and don't forget to check out the Simpro API docs for more magical possibilities.

Now go forth and webhook all the things! 🚀