Backend Best Practices

This guide outlines the best practices for implementing Reclaim Protocol in your backend applications, covering both JavaScript and Python implementations.

Security Best Practices

Protect Your Application Secret

// Store secrets securely
const APP_SECRET = process.env.RECLAIM_APP_SECRET;
const APP_ID = process.env.RECLAIM_APP_ID;
 
// Validate proofs before processing
const isValid = await verifyProof(proof);
if (!isValid) {
  throw new Error('Invalid proof');
}

1. Store your APP_SECRET securely using environment variables.
2. Use a package like dotenv to manage your environment variables:

Error Handling

try {
  const reclaimProof = await ReclaimProofRequest.init(APP_ID, APP_SECRET);
  // ... handle success
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Initialization failed:', error);
  // Implement proper error reporting
  throw new Error('Service temporarily unavailable');
}

1. Graceful Error Handling: Implement proper error handling for all SDK operations.
2. Logging: Log errors for debugging while keeping sensitive information secure.
3. User-Friendly Messages: Return appropriate error messages to clients.

Performance Optimization

// Cache initialization where appropriate
let reclaimProofRequest;
 
async function getOrCreateProofRequest() {
  if (!reclaimProofRequest) {
    reclaimProofRequest = await ReclaimProofRequest.init(APP_ID, APP_SECRET);
  }
  return reclaimProofRequest;
}

1. Request Caching: Cache proof request configurations when appropriate.
2. Connection Pooling: Use connection pooling for database operations.
3. Async Operations: Utilize async/await for better performance.

Monitoring and Logging

1. Metrics: Track success rates, response times, and error rates.
2. Alerts: Set up alerts for unusual patterns or high error rates.
3. Logging: Implement structured logging for better debugging.

Additional Recommendations

1. Version Control: Keep track of SDK versions and update regularly.
2. Documentation: Document your implementation and any custom configurations.
3. Backup: Implement backup strategies for proof data if stored.
4. Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse.

Remember to always refer to the latest SDK documentation for specific version requirements and updates.