## Stripe Apps: Building and Extending Functionality within Stripe

This documentation group provides comprehensive guidance on developing and integrating applications within the Stripe ecosystem using Stripe Apps. It covers the entire app development lifecycle, from initial setup and authentication to UI design, distribution, and ongoing management.

### Key Areas of Focus:

*   **Getting Started with Stripe Apps:** Learn the fundamentals of building, previewing, and updating your first Stripe app. This includes setting up the necessary tools like the Stripe CLI.
*   **App Architecture and Development:** Understand the core components of Stripe Apps, including frontend UI extensions and backend logic. Explore different app types (backend, frontend, full-stack) and their use cases.
*   **API Authentication and Security:** Discover various methods for authenticating API requests, including OAuth 2.0 and Restricted API Keys (RAKs), to securely access Stripe data on behalf of users.
*   **Building User Interfaces:** Dive into the Stripe UI Extension SDK and UI toolkit for creating custom user interfaces within the Stripe Dashboard. This section covers UI components, hierarchy constraints, and styling.
*   **Data Management and Storage:** Learn how to securely store sensitive credentials and tokens using the Secret Store API.
*   **App Distribution and Publishing:** Understand the options for distributing your app, including publishing to the Stripe App Marketplace, and navigate the app review process.
*   **Testing and Debugging:** Explore strategies for testing your app's UI and enabling local network access for development.
*   **Migration from Legacy Extensions:** Find guidance on migrating existing legacy extensions to the modern Stripe Apps platform.
*   **Design Patterns and Best Practices:** Follow recommended design patterns for onboarding, navigation, state communication, and UI elements to ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience.
*   **Reference Documentation:** Access detailed references for the app manifest, CLI commands, permissions, and UI extension SDK API.

### Core Concepts:

*   **Stripe Apps:** A platform for developing and distributing apps that extend Stripe's functionality, offering custom user interfaces within the Dashboard and orchestrating the Stripe API.
*   **UI Extensions:** The mechanism for rendering custom user interfaces within the Stripe Dashboard using TypeScript and React.
*   **App Manifest (`stripe-app.json`):** A configuration file that describes how your app integrates with the Stripe platform, including permissions, authentication types, and redirect URIs.
*   **Authentication Methods:** Platform key, OAuth 2.0, and Restricted API Keys (RAKs) are available for securing API access.
*   **Viewports:** Define the specific locations within the Stripe Dashboard where your app's UI components can be rendered.
*   **Design Patterns:** Reusable solutions to common design challenges, ensuring consistency and a high-quality user experience.

This documentation group serves as a comprehensive resource for developers looking to build powerful and integrated applications on the Stripe platform.