Developer Workshop Notes - Paystack 2024

Introduction

• First developer workshop of 2024.
• Speaker: T Kaj from Paystack.
• Andrew (teammate) on sabbatical, T Kaj will lead the session.
• Workshop will run for 1 to 1.5 hours.
• The session is recorded; links will be shared post-event.

Housekeeping

• Encourage participants to introduce themselves in the chat.
• Questions can be asked via chat or the questions tab.
• Dami assisting in the chat for moderation.

Paystack Updates

API Error Types and Codes

• New fields added to error responses: type, code, and meta object (including Next Step).
  • Types of Errors:
    • Validation Errors (400 status): Incorrect input.
    • API Errors: Issues on the Paystack API.
    • Processing Errors: Errors from third-party service providers (e.g., banks).
• Next Step parameter provides guidance for troubleshooting errors.

New Features

1. Ghana Bank Account Transfers

   • Transfer money to customer bank accounts in addition to mobile wallets.

2. Apple Pay Integration

   • Now live in South Africa and Ivory Coast, extending existing support.

Keeping Updated

• Visit Paystack Blog for product announcements and articles.
• Subscribe to monthly roundups:
  • General news roundup.
  • Developer-focused news roundup.

SDKs Overview

Old SDKs

• Legacy SDK focused on card payments, outdated technology (Java, Objective-C).
• Difficult to support multiple payment channels.

New SDKs Goals

• Build a modern SDK that supports multiple payment channels beyond just cards, including mobile money and bank transfers.
• Improve developer experience with a simpler API.

Demos

Android SDK Demo by Michael

• Core module to access Paystack APIs directly.
• Payment sheet UI simplifies payment processing.
• Initialization of transactions should occur on the server to ensure security.
• Demo walkthrough:
  • Initialize payment in backend, retrieve access code, and use it in the payment sheet.
  • Handle transaction results: completed, canceled, failed.

iOS SDK Demo by PJ

• Similar structure to Android: initialization with backend access code.
• Uses Swift UI for a modern user interface.
• Transaction handling similar to Android.

Roadmap for SDKs

• Expanding payment channels: mobile money (M-Pesa, bank transfers, etc.).
• Open sourcing SDKs soon, possible within the month.
• Planning cross-platform SDKs for React Native and Flutter.
• Seeking community feedback on desired payment channels and features.

Q&A and Feedback

• Encourage attendees to fill out feedback forms regarding SDK usage and desired features.
• Sample backend repository available for developers to reference and use.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on community involvement in SDK development.
• Reminder to subscribe to the Paystack developer newsletter for updates.
• Thanks to attendees and speakers for participation.