how_to_write_a_pubnub_app.md•5.44 kB
# How to Write a PubNub App Checklist
The following checklist outlines the steps to create a PubNub-powered application without needing to rely on any third-party services or libraries. This guide is designed for developers who want to build a real-time application using PubNub’s Data Stream Network and their SDKs and custom code where needed.
• PubNub Account Setup and API Key Configuration
- Create a PubNub account:
– Go to PubNub’s official website and sign up with a valid email address.
– Verify your account if prompted, and log in to the PubNub dashboard.
- Create a new application on PubNub:
– In the dashboard, navigate to the “Apps” section and create a new app.
– Provide a descriptive name for your app to easily identify it later.
- Generate PubNub API keys:
– From within your newly created app, click on the “Keyset” section.
– Obtain the publish and subscribe keys for both development and production environments.
– (Optional) Create multiple keysets for separate environments or microservices.
- Configure key properties:
– Assign secure permissions or tokens (using PubNub Access Manager if needed).
– Enable PubNub features (e.g., Presence, Storage & Playback, Functions) that match your project requirements.
- Store and manage your keys securely:
– Do not embed API keys in publicly visible repositories.
– Use environment variables or secure configuration management to protect your credentials.
• Project Scope Definition
- Clearly define the purpose and objectives of the PubNub-powered application.
- Enumerate the specific real-time communication features and functionalities (e.g., messaging, presence, push notifications).
- Decide on the platforms (web, mobile, desktop) the application will target, using PubNub exclusively.
- Outline success criteria, performance requirements (e.g., latency, concurrency limits), and key deliverables.
• Technology Stack Selection
- Confirm PubNub as the sole real-time data stream network provider.
- Choose programming languages, frameworks, or libraries that integrate well with PubNub (e.g., React, Vue, Angular, Swift, Kotlin).
- Ensure all required functionalities (authentication, backend, etc.) can be built without needing to add extra third-party services.
- Evaluate PubNub SDK versions for compatibility and up-to-date features.
• User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
- Define design guidelines and layout, emphasizing a seamless real-time experience (e.g., chat updates, presence indicators).
- Outline user flows, focusing on interactions with real-time events (e.g., notifications, live feed updates).
- Incorporate accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and screen reader support.
- Plan for handling disconnections or offline states gracefully in the UI.
• Data Design
- Determine if a local or on-device storage solution is needed for caching or offline mode.
- For persistent data, plan whether you will use PubNub Storage & Playback or another self-hosted solution.
- Devise naming conventions for channels and handle real-time data streams effectively.
- Ensure data integrity and performance requirements without introducing additional third-party data services.
• Backend Development
- Assess whether you need additional server-side logic beyond PubNub’s Data Stream Network and Functions.
- Utilize PubNub Functions or your own infrastructure to handle custom message manipulation or routing.
- Define the channels, events, and triggers that orchestrate the app’s workflows.
- Document any server-side APIs needed (e.g., for user authentication) that rely solely on your own systems or built-in PubNub features.
• Testing
- Establish unit tests to verify PubNub message payload formats, channel connections, and presence events.
- Develop integration tests ensuring the UI responds correctly to real-time events (e.g., newly received messages).
- Use separate PubNub development keysets for staging and production environments.
- Conduct load testing to evaluate performance under high traffic and concurrency scenarios.
• Deployment
- Choose your hosting solution for any required server (e.g., self-managed servers, cloud VM).
- Configure PubNub production keys and environment variables.
- Define a continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) process for code updates and fixes.
- Document build steps or containerization (e.g., Docker) if applicable.
• Security Measures
- Use PubNub Access Manager (PAM) to control access and permissions for channels.
- Ensure secure connections with TLS/SSL and consider message encryption if needed.
- Implement a token-based authentication flow or your own sign-in process without needing external identity providers
- Apply secure coding practices for any server or client logic to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities.
• Maintenance and Support
- Monitor PubNub library updates and stay informed on new releases or security patches.
- Devise an internal logging and analytics approach (e.g., your own tools) to track errors, usage metrics, and performance.
- Establish a feedback loop for users to report issues and request features.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation so developers, administrators, and end-users can understand and support the PubNub-powered features.