Setting Up API Integration:
1. Understanding REST and SOAP APIs:
• REST API: Uses standard HTTP methods, lightweight and easy to use.
• SOAP API: Uses XML-based messaging, robust and suited for complex integrations.
2. Configuring API Access in Salesforce:
• Create a connected app in Salesforce.
• Define the API permissions and scopes required.
Developing with APIs:
1. Making API Calls from Your App:
• Use Apex HTTP classes for REST API calls.
• Use Apex SOAP classes for SOAP API calls.
2. Handling API Responses:
• Parse JSON responses using Apex JSONParser.
• Handle XML responses with Apex DOM classes.
Security Best Practices:
1. Authenticating API Requests:
• Use OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
• Ensure API keys are stored securely and rotated regularly.
2. Managing API Keys and Secrets:
• Avoid hard-coding API keys in your codebase.
• Use Salesforce Named Credentials for secure storage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
1. Debugging API Integration Problems:
• Use debug logs in the Salesforce Developer Console.
• Check API request and response headers for errors.
2. Tips for Optimizing API Performance:
• Implement caching for frequently accessed data.
• Use bulk API operations for handling large data sets.
