Ready to dive into the technical nitty-gritty of the Kuda Business API? Let's break it down step by step.
API Request Structure
Every request to our API needs to be dressed for success. Here's what your request should wear:
Service Type: This is the operation you want to perform. Think of it as telling the API what you want it to do.
Request Reference: Your unique tracking number for each request. It's like giving each of your API calls its own name tag.
Data: This is where the magic happens. All the specific parameters for your request go here.
Here's a quick example of how it might look:
{
"serviceType": "RETRIEVE_ACCOUNT_BALANCE",
"requestRef": "12345-balance-check",
"data": { "accountId": "1234567890" }
}Remember, our API gateway is like a strict bouncer - it'll turn away any requests that don't follow this structure. So make sure you've got all your ducks in a row!
How to Generate and Use Access Tokens
Before you start making API calls, you need to get your VIP pass - the access token. Here's how:
Make a "Get Access Token" request to our authentication endpoint.
Include your Kuda developer/business email and apiKey in this request.
We'll respond with an access token. Think of this as your temporary VIP wristband.
Include this token in the header of all your subsequent API requests.
The access token is like a hall pass - it expires after a while, so you might need to generate a new one for extended sessions.
Best Practices for Secure API Communication
We take security seriously, and we hope you do too. Here are some tips to keep your API communication Fort Knox-level secure:
Always use HTTPS: We only accept requests over HTTPS. It's non-negotiable.
Guard your API keys: Your API key is like the key to your house. Don't leave it under the doormat!
Refresh your access tokens: Don't use the same access token forever. Refresh it regularly.
Validate input data: Always sanitize and validate any data you're sending to the API.
Monitor your API usage: Keep an eye on your API activity. If something looks fishy, it probably is.
Switching Between Test and Live Environments
Ready to go from rehearsal to opening night? Here's how to switch from the test environment to live production:
Update your credentials: You'll need a new API key for the live environment. Don't try to sneak your test key into the VIP section!
Change your API URLs: The test and live environments have different URLs. Make sure you update all your API calls to use the live URL.
Test thoroughly: Before you go live, test everything again in the new environment. It's like a dress rehearsal for your API calls.
Monitor closely: Keep a close eye on your first live transactions. If anything looks off, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team.
Update error handling: The live environment might have different error codes or messages. Make sure your error handling is up to snuff.
Remember, the jump from test to live is a big one. Take it slow, double-check everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. We're here to make sure your go-live is smoother than a well-oiled API!
Need more details on any of these steps? Our comprehensive API documentation has got you covered. And remember, our support team is always here to help you navigate the technical waters. Happy coding!