Building Better Zapier Connectors: Insights from a Senior Integration Developer

CLI vs UI Development: Choosing the Right Approach

1. Custom Authentication Flows: When your API requires non-standard authentication steps (like Bullhorn's additional REST token or ADP's certificate requirements), the CLI approach gives you the flexibility needed to implement these custom flows.

2. Third-Party Library Integration: CLI development allows you to leverage npm packages, giving you access to powerful tools and SDKs. This can be crucial when you need to:
• Process complex data transformations
• Integrate with multiple services in a single action
• Use specific SDKs for services like Airtable or Notion

3. Complex Data Processing: When your integration needs to handle file hydration, custom encryption, or complex data manipulation, the CLI environment provides the necessary tools and flexibility.

Advanced Trigger Design: One Endpoint, Multiple Triggers

// Simplified example of the approach
const handleWebhook = (payload) => {
  if (payload.attachments && payload.attachments.length > 0) {
    // Handle as MMS
    return processMMSPayload(payload);
  } else {
    // Handle as SMS
    return processSMSPayload(payload);
  }
};

Real-World Problem Solving: The Truncated URL Challenge

1. Identifying that the API was truncating the Zapier-provided webhook URLs

2. Working directly with the API team to identify the character limit issue

3. Implementing a fix on the API side to properly handle the full URL length

Best Practices for API Versioning and Integration

1. Webhook Management:
• Always implement both subscribe and unsubscribe functionality
• Consider using unique identifiers in webhook names for better management
• Handle webhook cleanup properly to avoid resource leaks

2. Version Transitions:
• Plan for major API changes by versioning your Zapier integration appropriately
• Consider maintaining backward compatibility when possible
• Document breaking changes clearly for users

3. Real-time Collaboration:
• Leverage video calls for complex troubleshooting sessions
• Enable direct communication between integration developers and API teams
• Document solutions and workarounds for future reference

Key Takeaways for API Providers

1. Choose between CLI and UI development based on your authentication complexity and custom processing needs

2. Design your webhooks with integration platforms in mind, ensuring proper handling of URLs and payloads

3. Plan for versioning and backwards compatibility

4. Invest in proper documentation and testing

5. Be prepared to collaborate closely with integration developers

Conclusion

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