> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.orbitforms.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Best Practices

> Follow these recommendations to build reliable, secure, and performant integrations.

## Security

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Store API keys securely">
    Use environment variables, never hardcode keys in source code.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verify webhook signatures">
    Always validate the signature header before processing webhooks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use HTTPS endpoints">
    All webhook URLs must use HTTPS for secure communication.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rotate keys periodically">
    Regenerate API keys regularly as a security best practice.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Performance

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Cache responses">
    Cache form configurations and reduce unnecessary API calls.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use pagination">
    Request only the data you need with appropriate page sizes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Implement webhooks">
    Use webhooks instead of polling for real-time updates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Batch operations">
    Group related API calls when possible.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Reliability

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Handle errors gracefully">
    Implement proper error handling for all API responses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use exponential backoff">
    Retry failed requests with increasing delays.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Implement idempotency">
    Handle duplicate webhook deliveries gracefully.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor rate limits">
    Track your API usage and stay within limits.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Error Handling

| Code  | Action                                            |
| ----- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `400` | Check request parameters                          |
| `401` | Verify API key is valid                           |
| `429` | Implement backoff and retry                       |
| `500` | Retry with backoff, contact support if persistent |

[Next: Troubleshooting →](/developers/troubleshooting)