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

Aug 11, 2024 • 7 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript enthusiast! Ready to dive into the world of TickTick integrations? Let's roll up our sleeves and build an auth flow that'll make your users feel like VIPs at a digital nightclub.

Introduction

TickTick's API is your golden ticket to productivity paradise. But before we start throwing confetti, we need to nail down a secure authorization flow. It's like the bouncer at the club – keeping the right people in and the party crashers out.

Prerequisites

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

A TickTick Developer Account (it's free, so no excuses!)
A registered application with a client ID and secret (your VIP pass)
A Node.js environment that's ready to rock

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

OAuth 2.0 Flow Overview

We're using the Authorization Code Grant type – it's like the cool kid of OAuth 2.0. Here's the gist:

Your app asks for permission
User says "Sure, why not?"
TickTick gives you a special code
You trade that code for an access token
Boom! You're in.

Implementing the Authorization Flow

Initiating the Authorization Request

First things first, let's build that authorization URL:

const authUrl = `https://ticktick.com/oauth/authorize?client_id=${clientId}&redirect_uri=${redirectUri}&response_type=code`;

Now, send your user to this URL. It's like giving them a VIP pass to the TickTick club.

Handling the Callback

Set up an endpoint to catch that callback. It's gonna be carrying some precious cargo – the authorization code:

app.get('/callback', (req, res) => {
  const code = req.query.code;
  // Time to party with this code!
});

Exchanging the Code for Access Token

Now, let's trade that code for an access token. It's like exchanging your ticket stub for a wristband:

const response = await axios.post('https://ticktick.com/oauth/token', {
  client_id: clientId,
  client_secret: clientSecret,
  code: authorizationCode,
  grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  redirect_uri: redirectUri
});

const { access_token, refresh_token } = response.data;

Refreshing the Access Token

Access tokens don't last forever (bummer, I know). But fear not! That's what refresh tokens are for:

const refreshResponse = await axios.post('https://ticktick.com/oauth/token', {
  client_id: clientId,
  client_secret: clientSecret,
  refresh_token: refreshToken,
  grant_type: 'refresh_token'
});

const { access_token: newAccessToken } = refreshResponse.data;

Securing the Flow

Security isn't just for the paranoid. It's for the smart cookies like you. Let's add some extra sprinkles:

PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange)

PKCE is like a secret handshake. Here's how to do it:

const codeVerifier = generateRandomString();
const codeChallenge = base64UrlEncode(sha256(codeVerifier));

// Add code_challenge and code_challenge_method to your auth URL

State Parameter for CSRF Protection

Think of the state parameter as your anti-forgery stamp:

const state = generateRandomString();
// Add state to your auth URL and verify it in the callback

Making Authenticated Requests

Now that you've got your access token, it's time to party with the TickTick API:

const response = await axios.get('https://api.ticktick.com/open/v1/user', {
  headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}` }
});

If the bouncer (API) says your token is no good, it's time to refresh!

Best Practices

Store tokens securely. Treat them like your deepest, darkest secrets.
Implement token rotation. Keep things fresh!
Handle errors gracefully. Nobody likes a party pooper.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a rock-solid auth flow for your TickTick integration. Your users can now securely connect their accounts, and you're ready to unleash the full power of the TickTick API.

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your newfound skills wisely, and may your integration be ever productive!

Resources

Now go forth and build something awesome! 🚀