> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dhmad.tn/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Best Practices

> Production-ready tips for using the DHMAD API

Follow these best practices to build reliable, secure integrations with the DHMAD API.

## Security

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Protect API Keys" icon="lock">
    Never commit API keys to version control. Use environment variables or secret management.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use HTTPS" icon="shield-check">
    Always use HTTPS for all API requests in production.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Validate Input" icon="check">
    Validate all user input before sending to the API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verify Webhooks" icon="key">
    Always verify webhook signatures before processing.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Error Handling

### Implement Retry Logic

```javascript theme={null}
async function apiCallWithRetry(fn, maxRetries = 3) {
  for (let i = 0; i < maxRetries; i++) {
    try {
      return await fn();
    } catch (error) {
      if (error.status === 429 || error.status >= 500) {
        await sleep(Math.pow(2, i) * 1000);
        continue;
      }
      throw error;
    }
  }
}
```

### Log Errors

Always log errors for debugging:

```javascript theme={null}
try {
  await createEscrow(data);
} catch (error) {
  logger.error('Failed to create escrow', {
    error: error.message,
    data: sanitizeData(data) // Remove sensitive info
  });
  throw error;
}
```

## Performance

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cache Responses" icon="database">
    Cache frequently accessed data to reduce API calls
  </Card>

  <Card title="Batch Operations" icon="layer-group">
    Combine multiple operations when possible
  </Card>

  <Card title="Async Processing" icon="bolt">
    Process webhooks asynchronously for quick responses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor Usage" icon="chart-line">
    Track API usage to optimize requests
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Code Organization

### Separate Configuration

```javascript theme={null}
// config.js
export const API_CONFIG = {
  baseURL: process.env.DHMAD_API_URL || 'https://dhmad.tn/api/v1',
  apiKey: process.env.DHMAD_API_KEY,
  timeout: 30000
};
```

### Create API Client

```javascript theme={null}
// apiClient.js
class DHMADClient {
  constructor(config) {
    this.baseURL = config.baseURL;
    this.apiKey = config.apiKey;
  }
  
  async request(endpoint, options = {}) {
    const response = await fetch(`${this.baseURL}${endpoint}`, {
      ...options,
      headers: {
        'X-API-Key': this.apiKey,
        'Content-Type': 'application/json',
        ...options.headers
      }
    });
    
    if (!response.ok) {
      throw new APIError(response);
    }
    
    return response.json();
  }
}
```

## Testing

### Use Test Environment

* Use separate API keys for testing
* Test all error scenarios
* Verify webhook handling
* Test rate limit handling

### Mock API Responses

```javascript theme={null}
// In tests
jest.mock('./apiClient', () => ({
  createEscrow: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({
    escrow: { id: 'test_123', status: 'pending' }
  })
}));
```

## Monitoring

### Track Key Metrics

* API request success rate
* Response times
* Error rates by type
* Rate limit usage

### Set Up Alerts

* Alert on high error rates
* Alert on rate limit approaching
* Alert on failed webhooks

## Documentation

* Document your integration
* Keep API keys documented (securely)
* Maintain changelog for API updates
* Document error handling strategies

***

<Note>
  Following these best practices will help you build a reliable, maintainable integration with the DHMAD API.
</Note>