How to build a public SurveyMonkey integration: Building the Auth Flow

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of SurveyMonkey integrations? Today, we're going to tackle one of the most crucial parts of building a public integration: the authorization flow. Buckle up, because we're about to make your integration secure and user-friendly in no time!

Introduction

SurveyMonkey's API is a powerful tool that allows us to tap into a wealth of survey data and functionality. But before we can start playing with all those juicy endpoints, we need to make sure our integration is properly authorized. That's where the auth flow comes in – it's like the bouncer at the club, making sure only the right people get in.

Prerequisites

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

• A SurveyMonkey Developer account (if you don't have one, go grab it!)
• A registered application with a client ID and secret (think of these as your VIP pass)
• A Node.js environment set up and ready to rock

Got all that? Great! Let's get this party started.

Understanding OAuth 2.0 flow for SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey uses OAuth 2.0 for authorization, specifically the authorization code grant type. It's like a secret handshake between your app and SurveyMonkey. Here's the gist:

1. Your app asks the user to authorize it.
2. The user says "yes" (hopefully).
3. SurveyMonkey gives your app a special code.
4. Your app exchanges this code for an access token.
5. Voila! You're in.

The key endpoints you'll be working with are:

• Authorization endpoint: https://api.surveymonkey.com/oauth/authorize
• Token endpoint: https://api.surveymonkey.com/oauth/token

Implementing the Authorization Flow

Initiating the OAuth request

First things first, we need to construct the authorization URL and send the user there. It's like giving them directions to the SurveyMonkey nightclub:

const authUrl = `https://api.surveymonkey.com/oauth/authorize?response_type=code&client_id=${YOUR_CLIENT_ID}&redirect_uri=${YOUR_REDIRECT_URI}`;

// Redirect the user to authUrl

Handling the callback

Once the user gives the thumbs up, SurveyMonkey will send them back to your redirect_uri with a special code. Set up an endpoint to catch this:

app.get('/callback', (req, res) => {
  const authCode = req.query.code;
  // Now, let's exchange this code for an access token
});

Exchanging the code for an access token

Time to trade in that code for the real deal – an access token:

const response = await fetch('https://api.surveymonkey.com/oauth/token', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Content-Type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded',
  },
  body: new URLSearchParams({
    client_id: YOUR_CLIENT_ID,
    client_secret: YOUR_CLIENT_SECRET,
    code: authCode,
    redirect_uri: YOUR_REDIRECT_URI,
    grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  }),
});

const { access_token } = await response.json();
// Store this access_token securely

Managing Access Tokens

Now that you've got the golden ticket (aka the access token), treat it like the precious gem it is:

• Store it securely (please, no plain text storage!)
• Set up a system to refresh expired tokens
• Be prepared to handle token revocation (users can be fickle)

Best Practices

A few pro tips to keep your integration running smoothly:

• Handle errors gracefully – nobody likes a crashy app
• Respect rate limits – SurveyMonkey isn't an all-you-can-eat buffet
• Keep it secure – treat user data like your grandma's secret recipe

Testing the Integration

Before you pop the champagne, let's make sure everything's working:

1. Run through the auth flow
2. Try making a simple API call with your shiny new token:

const response = await fetch('https://api.surveymonkey.com/v3/surveys', {
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${access_token}`,
  },
});

const surveys = await response.json();
console.log(surveys);

If you see a list of surveys, give yourself a pat on the back – you've done it!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! You've successfully implemented the authorization flow for your SurveyMonkey integration. You're now ready to start building out the rest of your awesome integration.

Remember, the auth flow is just the beginning. There's a whole world of survey data and functionality waiting for you to explore. So go forth and create something amazing!

Happy coding, and may your integration be forever bug-free! 🚀📊