Best Practices for Creating Custom Widgets in Decap CMS

Best Practices for Creating Custom Widgets in Decap CMS

Introduction:
Decap CMS is an open-source content management system that allows developers to create custom widgets. In this article, we will explore the best practices for creating these widgets, using a design-first approach, and incorporating OpenAPI documents. We will also discuss the importance of keeping a single source of truth and provide actionable advice on working with big documents. Let's dive in!

Design-First Approach:
When creating custom widgets in Decap CMS, it is recommended to use a design-first approach. This approach involves writing the API description first and then following it with the code implementation. One of the obvious advantages of this approach is that the code already has a skeleton upon which to build. It also allows for easier collaboration between developers and designers, as they can work on defining the API contract before diving into the implementation details.

OpenAPI Documents:
OpenAPI is a widely-used API description language that helps define and document RESTful APIs. While it may not be capable of describing every possible HTTP API, it provides a solid foundation for designing and documenting APIs. To incorporate OpenAPI documents into your custom widget development process, consider the following best practices:

1. Add OpenAPI Documents to Source Control:
   Treat OpenAPI documents as first-class source files and include them in your source control system. This ensures that the API description stays in sync with the code implementation and allows for versioning and collaboration among team members.

2. Make the OpenAPI Documents Available to Users:
   Expose the OpenAPI documents to end-users and developers who will be consuming the custom widgets. This provides them with a clear understanding of the API contract and helps them integrate the widgets seamlessly into their projects.

3. Use OpenAPI Editors:
   Instead of writing OpenAPI documents by hand, leverage the power of OpenAPI editors and tools. These editors provide a user-friendly interface for designing APIs, validating the implemented code against the API description, and generating documentation automatically. By using these tools, you can save time and ensure accuracy in your API design process.

Working with Big Documents:
As your custom widget project grows, you may find yourself dealing with large OpenAPI documents. To manage these documents effectively, consider the following tips:

1. Do not repeat yourself:
   The DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle is crucial in API design. If you find yourself repeating similar code blocks or definitions, consider moving them to the components section. This not only reduces duplication but also improves maintainability and readability of your API documentation.

2. Split the document into several files:
   While having a single OpenAPI document is convenient, it can become overwhelming as the project scales. To mitigate this, split the document into multiple files based on logical groupings or functionalities. Use the natural hierarchy present in URLs to build your file structure, making it easier to navigate and manage.

3. Use tags to keep things organized:
   Tags in OpenAPI are like labels that you can assign to operations or paths. They serve as metadata and help organize your API documentation. By using tags, you can group related operations, endpoints, or functionalities, making it easier to locate and work with specific parts of the API.

Conclusion:
Creating custom widgets in Decap CMS requires a thoughtful approach. By adopting a design-first mentality, incorporating OpenAPI documents, and following best practices for managing big documents, you can ensure the success of your custom widget development projects. Remember to add OpenAPI documents to source control, make them available to users, and leverage the power of OpenAPI editors. With these actionable pieces of advice, you'll be well-equipped to create robust and user-friendly custom widgets in Decap CMS.