Reading and Writing Data Using the Strava API

Hey there, fellow code enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the world of Strava API integration? Let's get those wheels spinning and data flowing!

Introduction

Strava's API is a goldmine for fitness app developers. Whether you're building the next big thing in workout tracking or just want to flex your API muscles, you're in the right place. We'll focus on syncing data for a user-facing integration, so buckle up!

Authentication: The Key to the Kingdom

First things first – we need to get past the bouncer. Strava uses OAuth 2.0, so let's break it down:

const getAccessToken = async (code) => {
  const response = await fetch('https://www.strava.com/oauth/token', {
    method: 'POST',
    headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      client_id: YOUR_CLIENT_ID,
      client_secret: YOUR_CLIENT_SECRET,
      code,
      grant_type: 'authorization_code'
    })
  });
  return response.json();
};

Store those tokens safely, you'll need them for the VIP access!

Reading Data: Time to Snoop

Now that we're in, let's grab some data:

const getActivities = async (accessToken) => {
  const response = await fetch('https://www.strava.com/api/v3/athlete/activities', {
    headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}` }
  });
  return response.json();
};

Boom! You've got activities. Want more details? Just hit the specific activity endpoint with the ID.

Writing Data: Leave Your Mark

Feeling creative? Let's post an activity:

const createActivity = async (accessToken, activityData) => {
  const response = await fetch('https://www.strava.com/api/v3/activities', {
    method: 'POST',
    headers: {
      'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
      'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    body: JSON.stringify(activityData)
  });
  return response.json();
};

Syncing Strategies: Stay in the Loop

Polling is simple but webhooks are sexier. Choose your fighter! Remember, Strava's got rate limits, so play nice:

const pollForUpdates = async () => {
  setInterval(async () => {
    const activities = await getActivities(accessToken);
    // Do something with the activities
  }, 15 * 60 * 1000); // Every 15 minutes
};

Error Handling: Expect the Unexpected

APIs can be moody. Be ready:

const safeApiCall = async (apiFunc) => {
  try {
    return await apiFunc();
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('API Error:', error);
    // Implement retry logic or user notification here
  }
};

Performance Optimization: Gotta Go Fast

Batch those requests when you can, and don't be afraid to get parallel:

const batchGetActivities = async (accessToken, activityIds) => {
  const promises = activityIds.map(id => 
    fetch(`https://www.strava.com/api/v3/activities/${id}`, {
      headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}` }
    }).then(res => res.json())
  );
  return Promise.all(promises);
};

Security Considerations: Lock It Down

Never expose your client secret. Use environment variables and secure storage. Your users trust you with their sweaty data!

Testing and Debugging: Break It Before They Do

Use Strava's sandbox environment to test without fear. Mock API responses for unit tests:

jest.mock('node-fetch');
fetch.mockResponseOnce(JSON.stringify({ id: '1234', name: 'Morning Run' }));

Conclusion

You're now armed and dangerous with Strava API knowledge. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Keep your code clean, your requests efficient, and your users' data safe. Now go build something awesome!

Happy coding, and may your PRs be swift and your builds never break! 🚴‍♂️💨