How to use the app connector for API integration between Bubble apps: Step-by-Step Guide

Integrating Bubble Apps Using the API Connector

The API Connector is a powerful tool in Bubble.io that enables communication between your Bubble app and virtually any external application or service that provides an API. This guide outlines how to set up and utilize the API Connector for integrating multiple Bubble apps or third-party services with comprehensive step-by-step instructions.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of APIs, endpoints, and HTTP methods (GET, POST, DELETE, etc.).
• An active Bubble.io account with developer access permissions.
• The details of the Bubble app you wish to connect with, including the API URL endpoints.
• The necessary API keys or authentication tokens for secure integration.

Enable API Access in Your Bubble App

• Log into your Bubble.io account and navigate to your app's editor.
• Go to the Settings tab.
• Under the API section, ensure that the option to enable "This app exposes a Data API" is checked. This will enable endpoints for your app data objects.
• Configure permissions so that only desired data is exposed and operations are allowed (i.e., Read, Create, Modify, Delete).
• Toggle on the "This app exposes a Workflow API", if you need to run workflows from another app.

Set Up API Endpoints

• Define necessary endpoints for your API by navigating to the Data > App data section and selecting APIs from particular data types.
• If you're enabling workflow APIs, ensure workflows are set up and you mark them as exposed to API.
• Document each endpoint URL, parameters, and respective HTTP methods for reference.

Configuring the API Connector in Bubble

• In the Bubble editor, go to the Plugins tab.
• Click Add Plugins, search for "API Connector," and install it.
• Open the API Connector and click Add another API.
• Provide a name for your API (e.g., "BubbleIntegrationAPI").

Define API Calls

• Add a new API call by clicking Add another call.
• Define the API call name (e.g., "GetUserData").
• Specify the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) according to the action required.
• Enter the endpoint URL copied from the API section of the app you aim to connect with.
• Populate the parameters (query or body) as needed based on the API endpoint's requirements.
• Indicate any headers needed, such as authorization keys or content-type. Example:

      {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
      }
      

• Click the Initialize call button to test and fetch the API response structure, allowing Bubble to recognize the data format.

Handling Authentication

• If your API requires authentication, manage this by including the required tokens or OAuth settings in the headers section of the API call.
• For OAuth2, go to the API authentication section within the API Connector and set it up according to your service provider's instructions.
• Store secure credentials using Bubble's inbuilt secrets manager.

Utilizing API Calls Within Workflows and Elements

• Open the Design tab and add the element that interacts with your API.
• Navigate to Workflows and create a new event (e.g., On Button Click).
• Use the action "Get data from external API" to call the API and manage data handling accordingly.
• Map the API response to workflow actions or display them in elements.

Testing and Debugging Your API Integration

• Use Bubble's responsive debugger tool for testing and monitor calls in real-time.
• Verify incoming data and API responses in the Bubble app's logs and console output.
• Test using dummy data to ensure accurate data display and functionality.

Deploying Your Fully Integrated Bubble App

• After successful testing in the Development environment, proceed to deploy your app to Live settings.
• Double-check the API keys and endpoint URLs for production if different from development setup.
• Monitor the performance and any live issues using Bubble’s monitoring tools.

Following these meticulous steps will help leverage the Bubble API Connector to effectively integrate different Bubble applications or external services. This not only broadens the functionality and flexibility of your apps but also enables seamless data flow and enhanced service capability.