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

Hey there, fellow JavaScript aficionado! Ready to dive into the world of Webflow integrations? Today, we're going to tackle one of the most crucial aspects 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.

Prerequisites

Before we jump in, I'm assuming you're already familiar with the basics of the Webflow API and have a good grasp on OAuth 2.0 concepts. If not, don't sweat it – a quick refresher on these topics will set you up nicely for what's to come.

Setting up the project

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row:

1. Head over to the Webflow Developer Portal and create a new app.
2. Grab your client ID and secret – you'll need these for the auth flow.

Implementing the Authorization Flow

Alright, now for the main event. Let's break this down into manageable chunks:

Initiating the auth request

We'll start by constructing the authorization URL:

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

Now, redirect your user to this URL. They'll log in to Webflow and grant permissions to your app.

Handling the callback

Once the user grants permission, Webflow will redirect them back to your specified redirect URI with an authorization code. Here's how to handle that:

const code = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search).get('code');

Next, exchange this code for access and refresh tokens:

const response = await fetch('https://api.webflow.com/oauth/access_token', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    client_id: clientId,
    client_secret: clientSecret,
    code,
    grant_type: 'authorization_code',
  }),
});

const { access_token, refresh_token } = await response.json();

Storing tokens securely

Now that you have your tokens, store them securely. Remember, never expose these on the client-side!

Token Management

Access tokens don't last forever, so let's handle refreshing:

async function refreshAccessToken(refreshToken) {
  // Implementation details here
}

Set up a system to check token expiration and refresh when necessary.

Making Authenticated Requests

With your access token in hand, you're ready to make API calls:

const response = await fetch('https://api.webflow.com/sites', {
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
  },
});

Don't forget to handle unauthorized requests gracefully!

Security Considerations

Security is paramount, so don't skip these:

• Implement CSRF protection
• Use the state parameter in your authorization request

Testing the Auth Flow

Before you pop the champagne, make sure to test thoroughly. Some edge cases to consider:

• Expired tokens
• Revoked permissions
• Network errors

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a robust auth flow for your Webflow integration. Pat yourself on the back – you've taken a big step towards creating a secure and user-friendly integration.

Remember, this is just the beginning. Keep exploring the Webflow API, and don't be afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible. Happy coding!