How To Integrate Stripe APIs Using Node JS

Introduction to Stripe APIs 

In seamless payment processing and Stripe WooCommerce, the integration of Stripe APIs and Node.js proves to be a powerful combination. Stripe API is a robust platform that simplifies online transactions, while Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime, offers a scalable and efficient environment for web applications. Together, they form a dynamic duo that streamlines payment processes. 

This blog will explore the how-tos of Stripe payment gateway integration using Node.js. Follow the steps outlined here to gain the knowledge and skills to leverage these technologies, empowering you to handle payments effortlessly and securely. 

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Setting Up Stripe Account and API Keys

The Stripe gateway offers a user-friendly interface for creating an account and managing payments efficiently. Follow these instructions to establish a Stripe account and acquire the required API keys:

• Access the Stripe website and initiate the account creation process by selecting the appropriate button.
• Provide the necessary details, including email address, password, and business information. Additional information may be required based on your location and business type.
• Verify your email address by following the confirmation link sent to your provided email.
• Once logged in, navigate to the Dashboard and locate the “Developers” or “API Keys” section.
• Within the API Keys section, you will find two types of keys: “Publishable Key” and “Secret Key”. The Publishable Key is intended for client-side use, while the Secret Key is for server-side operations.
• Generate your Secret Key by clicking on the appropriate button. Additional security measures, like two-factor authentication, may be required.
• Once the Secret Key is generated, securely store it, as it will be necessary for authenticating API requests from your Node.js application.
• Optionally, configure any desired settings or features within your Stripe account to tailor it to your needs.

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Installing Stripe Node JS Package

Installing the Stripe Node.js package can help you leverage its features seamlessly in your Node.js application for efficient payment integration. Follow these steps to install the Stripe Node.js package to configure and use the Stripe package within your application for payment handling, charge creation, etc.:

• Open your terminal or command prompt.
• Navigate to the desired directory where you wish to install the Stripe package.
• Use the Stripe npm command to install the Stripe package: npm install stripe
• Wait for the installation process to complete. The npm will download and install the latest version of the Stripe package along with its dependencies.
• After installation, require the Stripe package in your Node.js application by adding the line at the top of your code file: const stripe = require(‘stripe’);

Creating a Basic Node JS Server for Stripe Integration

To implement the Stripe functionality in your server file for payment processing, subscriptions, webhooks, etc., you must create a basic Node.js server for Stripe integration. Here’s how:-

• Set up a new directory for your project and navigate to it in the terminal.
• Initialise a new Node.js project by running the following command npm init.
• Install the required dependencies. In this case, you’ll need the stripe package, which provides the Stripe API functionality. Run the following command npm install stripe.
• Create a new JavaScript file, for example, server.js, and open it in a text editor.
• Import the necessary modules and set up the Stripe API key.
• Add a route to handle payment requests. Modify server.js.
• Start the server by running the command node server.j.

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Integrating Stripe Checkout With Node JS

Install the ‘stripe’ package and follow these steps to integrate Stripe Checkout with Node.js:-

• Install the ‘stripe’ package in your Node.js project.
• Obtain your Stripe API keys (publishable key and secret key).
• Configure your Node.js server to handle Stripe Checkout integration.
• Use the ‘stripe.checkout.sessions.create‘ method to create a checkout session.
• Specify payment details such as currency, product information, and success/cancel URLs.
• Upon receiving a request to create a checkout session, return the session ID to the client.
• On the client side, the session ID redirects the user to the Stripe Checkout page for payment.
• Ensure proper success handling and cancel URLs in your Node.js application for a seamless Stripe Checkout integration.

Implementing Payment Gateway with Node JS and Stripe

Follow the mentioned steps after implementing a payment gateway with Node.js and Stripe, installing the ‘stripe’ package and obtaining your Stripe API keys. 

• Set up a Node.js server using Express or any preferred framework.
• Create routes to handle payment requests from your front-end.
• Use the Stripe API to manage charges, payment methods, and subscriptions.
• Implement the stripe.charges.create method to process payments securely.
• Ensure a smooth payment flow by handling errors and validating payment data.
• Thoroughly test your implementation.
• Consider implementing webhooks to handle asynchronous events from Stripe.

Creating Subscriptions and Plans With Stripe and Node JS

You can easily create subscriptions and plans with Stripe and Node.js. It will enable you to manage recurring payments and offer subscription-based services in your application. First, install the ‘stripe’ package in your Node.js project and then follow the steps below to do so:-

• Obtain your Stripe API keys (publishable key and secret key).
• Configure your server to handle subscription creation and plan management.
• Use the ‘stripe.subscriptions.create’ method to create a subscription for a customer. Specify the plan, customer, and payment details.
• Use the ‘stripe.plans.create’ method to create a new plan. Specify the plan’s details, such as name, amount, currency, and billing cycle.
• Implement routes in your server to handle subscription creation requests from the front-end.
• Validate and process the subscription data on the server-side using the Stripe API.
• Return appropriate responses to the client, confirming the subscription creation or plan set-up.
• Test your implementation thoroughly to ensure proper subscription and plan functionality.

Handling Stripe Webhooks With Node JS

Implement these steps to handle Stripe webhooks with Node.js allowing your application to respond to important events and keeping its data in sync with Stripe’s updates:-

• Configure a route in your Node.js server to receive webhook events from Stripe, specifying the appropriate URL.
• Install the ‘stripe’ package and configure it with your Stripe API keys for seamless integration.
• Use middleware to parse the incoming webhook payload, ensuring it is in JSON format.
• Verify the webhook event’s authenticity by validating the webhook signature using your webhook signing secret and the stripe.webhooks.constructEvent method.
• Implement custom logic to handle specific webhook events, such as payment successes, subscription cancellations, or invoice payment failures.
• Process the webhook event data accordingly, performing actions like updating your application’s database, triggering notifications, or executing relevant business logic.
• Respond to the webhook request with a 200 status code to confirm successful event receipt. In case of processing failure, respond with an appropriate error status code to prompt Stripe to retry sending the event.
• Thoroughly test your webhook implementation using Stripe’s test webhook events to ensure proper handling and response.

Testing Stripe Integration With Node JS

Test for Stripe integration with Node.js using these steps:

• Prepare a testing environment using Stripe’s test mode and API keys designated for testing.
• Develop unit tests using a reliable testing framework like Mocha or Jest, covering various scenarios such as successful payments, failed payments, and subscription creation.
• Create mock implementations of Stripe API calls using libraries like Sinon or Nock, simulating the responses from Stripe.
• Mimic different payment outcomes during testing using Stripe’s provided test credit card numbers.
• Ensure your application handles Stripe’s responses accurately and performs the expected actions.
• Conduct regular testing to maintain your Stripe integration’s stability and dependability in your Node.js application.

Best Practices for Stripe Integration With Node JS 

Ensure a secure, reliable, and optimised integration of Stripe with your Node.js application with these recommended practices:-

• Store and manage your Stripe API keys securely, keeping them separate from your codebase and restricting access to authorised personnel.
• Implement server-side validation and sanitisation of user input to prevent malicious data from being sent to Stripe. 
• Use webhooks to receive real-time notifications about important events and ensure timely processing and handling.
• Use Stripe’s client libraries to tokenise sensitive payment information and minimise your PCI compliance requirements.
• Implement proper error handling and logging to capture and handle any exceptions or failures during the integration process.
• Regularly update and review Stripe’s documentation and follow their recommended best practices to stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

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Conclusion 

The Stripe payment gateway integration with Node.js opens up a world of possibilities for streamlined payment processing in your applications. 

With a well-integrated Stripe solution, you can provide a seamless payment experience for your users and unlock the full potential of your Node.js applications. Enrol in upGrad’s Executive PG Programme in Full Stack Development from IIITB  to excel in software development.