API flows
An API flow defines how external systems interact with IO through programmatic interfaces.
These flows handle inbound or outbound API calls and webhook events, enabling integration with third-party services, custom applications, or backend systems. They are typically used to process automated requests, exchange data, and trigger actions within IO without user interaction.
API flows support secure, event-driven, and system-to-system communication.
Add an API flow
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Open the left sidebar and select Visual Identity Orchestrator from the menu.
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This will display a list of flow categories, select API.
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Press ADD button.
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Complete the configuration by following the steps described in the add flow section, starting from step 5.
Common use cases
Web hook handlers
Process incoming webhooks from external services:
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Payment provider notifications
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Third-party authentication events
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Data synchronization triggers
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External system status updates
Data synchronization
Keep data synchronized between systems:
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User profile updates
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Account status changes
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Bulk user operations
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Periodic data refreshes
Integration endpoints
Provide API endpoints for custom integrations:
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Custom authentication flows
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Specialized data queries
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Business-specific operations
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Legacy system integrations
Event-driven workflows
React to system or external events:
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User lifecycle events
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Security events
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Business rule triggers
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Scheduled operations
Security considerations
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Authentication: Require proper authentication for API calls (API keys, OAuth tokens, etc.)
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Authorization: Verify that the calling system has permission for the requested operation
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Input validation: Thoroughly validate all input data
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Rate limiting: Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse
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Logging: Log all API interactions for audit and debugging
Best practices
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Idempotency: Design API flows to handle duplicate requests safely
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Error handling: Return meaningful error codes and messages
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Versioning: Plan for API flow versioning from the start
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Documentation: Document API contracts clearly
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Testing: Test with realistic data and error scenarios
