## Stripe Apps: Building and Distributing Integrations

This documentation set provides comprehensive guidance on developing, distributing, and managing applications within the Stripe ecosystem through **Stripe Apps**. It covers everything from the initial setup and core concepts to advanced features and best practices for creating robust and user-friendly integrations.

**Key areas covered include:**

*   **Getting Started with Stripe Apps:** Learn the fundamentals of app development, including building, previewing, and updating your first Stripe app.
*   **Core Concepts and Architecture:** Understand how Stripe Apps work, including their frontend and backend components, UI extensions, and the overall app structure.
*   **Building Your App:**
    *   **UI Development:** Utilize the Stripe UI Extensions SDK and UI toolkit to build custom user interfaces within the Stripe Dashboard. Explore a wide range of pre-built UI components for various use cases.
    *   **Server-Side Logic:** Implement backend code to validate user actions, process data, and integrate securely with third-party systems.
    *   **API Authentication:** Choose and implement appropriate API authentication methods, including OAuth 2.0 and Restricted API Keys (RAKs).
    *   **Data Management:** Learn how to securely store sensitive credentials and tokens using the Secret Store API.
*   **App Configuration and Customization:**
    *   **App Manifest:** Understand and configure the `stripe-app.json` file, which serves as the central index for your app's integration with Stripe.
    *   **Permissions:** Define and manage the permissions your app requires to access user data and Stripe APIs.
    *   **App Settings:** Create custom settings pages for users to configure your app's behavior.
    *   **Onboarding and User Experience:** Design intuitive onboarding flows, sign-in templates, and post-install actions to guide users.
*   **Distribution and Deployment:**
    *   **Distribution Options:** Learn how to distribute your apps privately to your team or publicly through the Stripe App Marketplace.
    *   **Publishing and Review:** Understand the process of publishing your app to the marketplace, including app review requirements and quality standards.
    *   **Install Links:** Enable users to install your app outside of the Stripe App Marketplace.
    *   **Testing and Previewing:** Utilize features like local network access and sandbox support for efficient development and testing.
*   **Migration and Legacy Integrations:**
    *   Guidance on migrating from legacy extensions to the modern Stripe Apps platform.
*   **Design and Best Practices:**
    *   Follow recommended design patterns for a consistent and scalable user experience.
    *   Learn how to style your app to match Stripe's visual guidelines.
    *   Understand UI testing methodologies and developer tools.
*   **Reference and Tools:**
    *   Access comprehensive references for the App Manifest, Extension SDK API, Permissions, and Viewports.
    *   Utilize the Stripe Apps CLI for managing your app development workflow.

This documentation set is essential for developers looking to extend Stripe's functionality, integrate with other services, and create custom user experiences within the Stripe Dashboard.