TIP: JUST READ THE DOCS BRO! 😅

Best Practices for Using the Brite API

1. Secure Your API Key

When using the Brite API, always ensure the security of your API key. Follow these guidelines:

  • Store API Key Securely: Store your API key in a secure environment. Avoid hardcoding it directly into your application code, especially in publicly accessible repositories.

  • Use Environment Variables: Store your API key in environment variables or a configuration file, and reference it in your code. This helps keep your key hidden and allows for easy updates.

  • Limit Key Access: Restrict access to your API key to only trusted individuals and services. Do not share it openly.

2. Use HTTPS

Always make API requests over HTTPS to ensure data privacy and security. HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between your application and the API server, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering.

3. Validate API Responses

When consuming data from the Brite API, validate the responses to ensure they match the expected structure. This helps prevent unexpected errors in your application due to changes in the API.

4. Rate Limiting

Respect rate limits imposed by the API. Exceeding rate limits can result in temporary or permanent suspension of your API access. Implement rate limiting mechanisms in your application to avoid overloading the API.

5. Error Handling

Handle API errors gracefully. The Brite API may return errors for various reasons, such as invalid requests or server issues. Implement error handling in your application to provide informative error messages to users and log errors for debugging.

6. Use Descriptive Endpoint URLs

Use descriptive endpoint URLs that clearly indicate the purpose of the request. This makes your code more readable and maintainable.

7. Keep API Keys Secret

Do not expose your API key in client-side JavaScript. Making API requests directly from the client can expose your API key to potential attackers. Instead, use a server or a serverless function to proxy requests to the API while keeping your API key secure.

8. Monitor API Usage

Regularly monitor your API usage to ensure it aligns with your subscription plan. Be aware of your usage limits and consider upgrading your plan if needed.

9. Handle External Identifiers Licensing

If you plan to use external identifiers such as ICD-10, SNOMED, or MedDRA provided by the Brite API, make sure you have the necessary licensing in place. These identifiers may have their own licensing requirements, and you must comply with them.

10. Stay Informed

Stay informed about updates and changes to the Brite API by regularly checking the documentation and announcements from the API provider. Ensure your application remains compatible with any new versions or features.

By following these best practices, you can ensure the secure and reliable integration of the Brite API into your application, providing valuable healthcare information to your users while maintaining data security and compliance.