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Step by Step Guide to Building a Tally API Integration in PHP

Aug 11, 20245 minute read

Introduction

Hey there, fellow code wrangler! Ready to dive into the world of Tally API integration? You're in for a treat. Tally's API is a powerhouse for form data management, and we're about to harness that power with PHP. Buckle up!

Prerequisites

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

  • A PHP environment that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out
  • Tally API credentials (if you don't have 'em, go grab 'em!)
  • Your favorite HTTP client library (we'll be using Guzzle, but you do you)

Setting up the project

Let's get our ducks in a row:

mkdir tally-integration
cd tally-integration
composer init
composer require guzzlehttp/guzzle

Boom! Project structure sorted.

Authentication

First things first, let's get that access token:

$client = new GuzzleHttp\Client(); $response = $client->post('https://api.tally.so/auth/token', [ 'form_params' => [ 'client_id' => 'YOUR_CLIENT_ID', 'client_secret' => 'YOUR_CLIENT_SECRET', 'grant_type' => 'client_credentials' ] ]); $token = json_decode($response->getBody(), true)['access_token'];

Pro tip: Store this token securely and refresh it when needed. Your future self will thank you.

Making API requests

Now that we're authenticated, let's make some noise:

$client = new GuzzleHttp\Client([ 'base_uri' => 'https://api.tally.so/v1/', 'headers' => [ 'Authorization' => 'Bearer ' . $token, 'Content-Type' => 'application/json' ] ]); // GET request $response = $client->get('forms'); // POST request $response = $client->post('forms', [ 'json' => ['name' => 'My Awesome Form'] ]);

Implementing key Tally API features

Let's get to the good stuff:

// Fetch form responses $responses = $client->get('forms/FORM_ID/responses')->getBody(); // Create new entry $newEntry = $client->post('forms/FORM_ID/responses', [ 'json' => ['field_1' => 'value_1', 'field_2' => 'value_2'] ]); // Update existing entry $updatedEntry = $client->put('forms/FORM_ID/responses/RESPONSE_ID', [ 'json' => ['field_1' => 'new_value_1'] ]);

Error handling and logging

Don't let errors catch you with your pants down:

try { $response = $client->get('forms'); } catch (GuzzleHttp\Exception\ClientException $e) { error_log('Tally API error: ' . $e->getMessage()); }

Optimizing the integration

Cache like a boss:

$cache = new Symfony\Component\Cache\Adapter\FilesystemAdapter(); $cachedForms = $cache->get('forms', function(ItemInterface $item) use ($client) { $item->expiresAfter(3600); return $client->get('forms')->getBody(); });

And remember, respect those rate limits. Tally's not a fan of spam.

Testing the integration

Unit tests are your friends:

public function testFetchForms() { $mockClient = $this->createMock(GuzzleHttp\Client::class); $mockClient->method('get') ->willReturn(new GuzzleHttp\Psr7\Response(200, [], '{"forms": []}')); $tallyService = new TallyService($mockClient); $forms = $tallyService->getForms(); $this->assertIsArray($forms); }

Deployment considerations

  • Keep those API keys secret. Use environment variables, not hard-coded values.
  • Implement caching to reduce API calls and boost performance.
  • Use HTTPS. Always. No exceptions.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You're now armed and dangerous with Tally API integration skills. Remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Tally's API has a lot more to offer, so don't be afraid to explore and experiment.

Now go forth and create some awesome integrations! 🚀