If you’re running an online bookstore or educational platform, integrating the VitalSource API with WooCommerce can simplify book sales and access code management. This guide walks you through creating a plugin to automate book listing, purchase processing, and code generation.

Why Use VitalSource API WooCommerce Integration?

• Automated Book Listings: Fetch and list books from VitalSource automatically.
• Streamlined Purchase Flow: Customers can instantly receive access codes after purchase.
• Enhanced User Experience: Simplify book access for your customers.

Steps to Build the Plugin

1. Set Up the Plugin Framework

Create a folder named vitalsource-integration in your WordPress wp-content/plugins/ directory. Inside it, create a file named vitalsource-integration.php with the following code:

2. Create the API Handler

Create a file named vs-api-handler.php in an includes folder to handle communication with the VitalSource API:

api_key = get_option('vs_api_key');
    }

    private function get_headers() {
        return [
            'Authorization' => 'Bearer ' . $this->api_key,
            'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
        ];
    }

    public function fetch_books() {
        $response = wp_remote_get($this->api_url . 'books', [
            'headers' => $this->get_headers(),
        ]);

        if (is_wp_error($response)) {
            return [];
        }

        return json_decode(wp_remote_retrieve_body($response), true);
    }

    public function generate_code($book_id) {
        $response = wp_remote_post($this->api_url . 'codes', [
            'headers' => $this->get_headers(),
            'body'    => json_encode(['book_id' => $book_id]),
        ]);

        return is_wp_error($response) ? false : json_decode(wp_remote_retrieve_body($response), true);
    }
}
?>
    

3. Integrate with WooCommerce

Sync books and generate access codes upon purchase by creating a file named vs-woocommerce-integration.php:

fetch_books();

    foreach ($books as $book) {
        if (!wc_get_product_id_by_sku($book['id'])) {
            wp_insert_post([
                'post_title'   => $book['title'],
                'post_content' => $book['description'],
                'post_type'    => 'product',
                'post_status'  => 'publish',
                'meta_input'   => [
                    '_sku' => $book['id'],
                    '_price' => $book['price'],
                ],
            ]);
        }
    }
}
add_action('vs_sync_books', 'vs_add_books_as_products');

function vs_generate_code_on_purchase($order_id) {
    $vs_api = new VS_API_Handler();
    $order = wc_get_order($order_id);

    foreach ($order->get_items() as $item) {
        $book_id = $item->get_product()->get_sku();
        $code = $vs_api->generate_code($book_id);

        if ($code) {
            $order->add_order_note('Access Code: ' . $code['code']);
        }
    }
}
add_action('woocommerce_order_status_completed', 'vs_generate_code_on_purchase');
?>
    

4. Add a Settings Page

Create a settings page for the admin to input the VitalSource API key:

    

        
VitalSource Settings
        

            API Key:
            
            
        
    
    
    

5. Automate Book Syncing

Schedule a cron job to sync books periodically:

Conclusion

Implementing VitalSource API WooCommerce Integration enhances your ability to manage book sales efficiently. Follow the steps above to build your plugin and simplify the customer experience!