API Integration Tutorial

Learn how to integrate your application with the eIOU API through practical examples.

🚧 API Development Status

The eIOU API is currently in planning phase and not yet implemented. This tutorial describes the planned integration process. The actual implementation may differ when released in Q3 2025. For current functionality, use the CLI commands.

What You'll Learn

  • Setting up API authentication
  • Making your first API call
  • Handling responses and errors
  • Building a complete integration
  • Best practices for production

Prerequisites

Before starting this tutorial, you should have:

  • Basic understanding of REST APIs
  • A programming environment set up (Node.js, Python, or PHP)
  • The eIOU wallet installed (for testing)

Step 1: Obtain API Credentials

First, generate your API key from the eIOU dashboard (planned feature). The command will generate an API key and secret for authentication.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

Install the eIOU SDK for your preferred programming language. SDKs are planned for JavaScript/Node.js, Python, PHP, and other major languages.

Step 3: Make Your First API Call

Start with a simple API call to retrieve your wallet information. This will verify that your API credentials are working correctly.

Step 4: Working with Contacts

The Contacts API allows you to manage your network of trusted connections. You can add new contacts, view existing ones, update their information, and remove them.

Step 5: Sending Transactions

Use the Transactions API to send eIOUs to your contacts. The API handles validation, routing, and confirmation of transactions.

Step 6: Handling Webhooks

Set up webhook endpoints to receive real-time notifications about incoming transactions, contact requests, and other events.

Error Handling Best Practices

  • Implement retry logic with exponential backoff
  • Handle rate limiting gracefully
  • Log all API interactions for debugging
  • Validate input before making API calls

Security Considerations

  • Never expose API keys in client-side code
  • Store credentials in environment variables
  • Use HTTPS for all API communications
  • Implement request signing for additional security

Production Best Practices

  • Use connection pooling for better performance
  • Implement caching for frequently accessed data
  • Monitor API usage and performance
  • Plan for API version upgrades

⚠️ Important Reminder

All features described in this tutorial are conceptual and represent the planned API implementation. The actual API and SDKs are not yet available. These guidelines are provided to help developers understand the intended integration patterns for when the API launches in Q3 2025.

Next Steps

Once you understand the basics of API integration, explore advanced topics like batch operations, peer-to-peer transactions, and building user interfaces.

Back to API Overview →