How do I link my custom app to Magento

Question

I am trying to build an integration between my online inventory system and Magento. However I am a bit lost in the terminology.

Do I need to build the plugin from my app, that will connect to the Magento account? Or will I need a plugin to Magento that will push data to my app?

Answer 1

If possible go with Magento's native API (with extensive documentation). This won't be able to push but you can pull data out.

Make sure you don't request the API to much as this will slow down the Magento installation. For example; updating products will set off the flat product data indexers which can be pretty heavy on the system.

If the API is too limited you can either extend the API with the methods / data you need

• http://www.magentocommerce.com/wiki/doc/webservices-api/custom-api
• http://inchoo.net/magento/extending-the-magento-api/

Or if you want to actively push changes from Magento use Observers

• http://code.tutsplus.com/tutorials/custom-events-in-magento-with-the-observer-pattern--cms-22120
• https://www.nicksays.co.uk/magento-events-cheat-sheet-1-8/

You can submit your module to http://www.magekarma.com/ for a code review or turn to the community for help if you're doubting the use of a certain solution

Answer 2

You can do it either way:

1. You can develop an module at Magento store owners will install on their store through FTP, etc. OR
2. You can make your app on your own server and pull/push from the REST api that each store has. This doesn't require a Magento extension. You'll need Magento stores to make an API account for you in their store (from the System menu option), then provide you with the credentials and the store address.

Option #1 definitely gives you more control, but #2 is way easier to maintain.

Hope that helps!