This documentation section covers the development and management of **Stripe Apps**, a platform for extending Stripe's functionality and integrating with third-party services. It details how to build custom user interfaces within the Stripe Dashboard, orchestrate the Stripe API, and distribute these apps to other Stripe users.

Key aspects covered include:

*   **Core Concepts**: Understanding how Stripe Apps work, their basic components (frontend and backend), and the different types of apps (backend, frontend, full-stack).
*   **Getting Started**: Guidance on creating your first Stripe App, including setting up the Stripe CLI and building a basic "Hello, world!" example.
*   **Building Your App**:
    *   **UI Development**: Creating custom user interfaces using TypeScript, React, and Stripe's UI Extensions SDK. This includes information on UI components, component hierarchy constraints, and UI testing.
    *   **Server-Side Logic**: Implementing backend code to validate and process user actions, integrate with third-party systems, and handle webhook events.
    *   **API Authentication**: Choosing and implementing authentication methods like Platform keys, OAuth 2.0, and Restricted API Keys (RAKs).
    *   **App Settings**: Creating a dedicated settings page for users to configure app preferences.
    *   **Secret Management**: Securely storing sensitive data like credentials and tokens using the Secret Store API.
*   **Distribution and Management**:
    *   **Distribution Options**: Making your app publicly available on the Stripe App Marketplace or privately for your team.
    *   **Publishing**: The process of submitting your app for review and listing it on the Marketplace, including quality requirements.
    *   **Testing**: Setting up external testing for your app before wider release.
    *   **Versioning and Releases**: Managing app updates and new versions.
    *   **Install Links**: Allowing users to install apps outside of the App Marketplace.
*   **Migration**: Guidance on migrating legacy extensions to the new Stripe Apps platform.
*   **Design and Best Practices**: Information on design patterns, UI styling, and creating intuitive user experiences, including onboarding flows and handling different states (loading, empty, waiting).
*   **Reference**: Documentation for the App manifest, CLI commands, permissions, and UI Extension SDK API.

This section is crucial for developers looking to build integrations and custom functionalities within the Stripe ecosystem.