Question 1

What's the difference between REST and GraphQL, and which should we use?

Accepted Answer

REST APIs use fixed endpoints — one URL per resource. GraphQL uses a single endpoint and lets the client specify exactly what data it needs. REST is simpler to cache and works well for straightforward CRUD operations. GraphQL is better when clients need flexible, nested queries — common in dashboards and mobile apps with variable data requirements. For most integration projects, REST is the right default. We'll recommend based on your consuming client's requirements.

Question 2

Can you integrate with South African accounting and ERP systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have direct experience with Xero, Sage Business Cloud, Sage 300, Pastel Partner, QuickBooks, and SYSPRO. We also integrate with South African-specific platforms like SimplePay, PaySpace, and various SARS-adjacent reporting systems. The integration approach depends on whether the system has a REST API, SOAP/XML, or requires database-level access.

Question 3

What about payment gateways and courier APIs?

Accepted Answer

Payment gateways we've integrated include PayFast, Peach Payments, Ozow, SnapScan, Yoco, and Stripe. Courier and logistics: Aramex, The Courier Guy, Paxi, PostNet, DHL, and Bob Go. We handle webhook receipt, signature verification, order status sync, and retry logic — not just the initial handshake.

Question 4

How do you handle API authentication and security?

Accepted Answer

Every API we build implements proper authentication — OAuth 2.0, API keys with scoping, or JWT depending on the use case. We rate limit all public-facing endpoints, validate all inputs against a schema, and log all access for audit purposes. We also handle rotating credentials and secret management via environment-specific configuration — no secrets in code.

Question 5

Can you document the API for our internal developers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We generate OpenAPI 3.0 specifications and host interactive Swagger documentation alongside every API we build. For integration APIs, we also produce integration guides covering authentication, common request patterns, error handling, and webhook payload formats.

Make Your Stack Actually Talk

API Engineering Capabilities

REST API design & build

GraphQL schemas

Webhook orchestration

Data transformation

Real-time sync

API security

Platforms We Integrate With

Accounting & ERP

Payment Gateways

CRM & Marketing

Courier & Logistics

Productivity

Communication

API & Integration FAQs

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