Bexio API: A simple guide to get started

What is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows different software systems to talk to each other. Think of it as a translator enabling two tools (your invoicing/accounting system + some other system) to share data and trigger actions programmatically.

The bexio API: Functionalities and Capabilities

The bexio API is a RESTful interface allowing developers to interact with many of bexio’s functionalities — programmatically create/update contacts, generate invoices, pull accounting data, etc.
With the API you can:

• Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., automatically generate an invoice when a project is marked done)
• Integrate with other tools you already use (e.g., CRM, e-commerce store, time-tracking tool)
• Customise features and workflows (adapt the behavior to your specific needs)

Why integrate with the bexio API?

• Save Time: Reduce or eliminate manual data entry.
• Reduce Errors: Automation cuts down human-typos and inconsistent data.
• Boost Productivity: Make your tools work together and let you focus on billable work rather than admin.

Setting Up a bexio Account

Before you can use the API, you'll need a bexio account. If you haven't already, head over to bexio's website and sign up for a trial account. Complete the onboarding process to familiarize yourself with the platform.

Accessing the Developer Portal

Visit the bexio Developer Portal and log in using your bexio credentials. This portal is your hub for all things related to the bexio API, including documentation and support.

Creating an App and Obtaining API Credentials

• Create a New App: In the developer portal, navigate to the "My Apps" section and create a new app.

• Set Redirect URL: Ensure you define a valid redirect URL. This is crucial for the OAuth 2.0 authentication process.

• Obtain Client ID and Secret: After creating your app, you'll receive a Client ID and Client Secret. Keep these credentials secure—they're essential for API access.

Understanding OAuth 2.0 in the Context of bexio

bexio uses OAuth 2.0, an industry-standard protocol for authorization. It ensures that your application can interact with bexio securely, without exposing your credentials.

Steps to Authenticate with the bexio API:

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Choose your preferred programming language and set up your environment. For this guide, we'll use C# as an example.

• Install Necessary Libraries: For C#, libraries like RestSharp and Newtonsoft.Json are helpful for handling HTTP requests and JSON parsing.

Making Your First API Call

Here's a simple example in C#:

var client = new RestClient("https://api.bexio.com/2.0");
var request = new RestRequest("contact", Method.GET);
request.AddHeader("Accept", "application/json");
request.AddHeader("Authorization", $"Bearer {accessToken}");

IRestResponse response = client.Execute(request);
var contacts = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<List<Contact>>(response.Content);

Note: Replace accessToken with your actual access token.

Parsing and Handling API Responses

The API responses are in JSON format. Use a JSON parser to convert the responses into usable objects in your code.

Example:

public class Contact
{   public int Id { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
    // Add other relevant fields}

var contacts = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<List<Contact>>(response.Content);

Automating Invoicing Processes

Imagine generating and sending invoices automatically after completing a project.

• Create Invoice: Use the API to generate an invoice upon project completion.

• Send Invoice: Automate the email dispatch to your client.

Syncing Contacts and Client Data

Keep your client information up-to-date across multiple platforms.

• Update Contacts: When a new client signs up on your website, automatically add them to bexio.

Managing Expenses and Financial Tracking

Stay on top of your finances by automating expense entries.

• Record Expenses: Use the API to log expenses from other tools or receipt scanning apps.

Table with ideas

Handling Errors and Exceptions

Always implement error handling to catch and respond to API errors.

if (!response.IsSuccessful)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"API request failed: {response.ErrorMessage}");
    // Handle the error appropriately
}

Rate Limiting and Performance Optimization

• Respect Rate Limits: bexio may limit the number of API calls. Implement caching where possible.

• Optimize Calls: Fetch only necessary data to reduce the number of requests.

Security Considerations

• Secure Storage: Store your API credentials and tokens securely.

• HTTPS: Always make API calls over HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.

Overview of Magic Heidi

Magic Heidi is a Swiss-focused invoicing and expense-management app built specifically for freelancers. It boasts features like Swiss QR invoice generation, multi-platform support (iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Web) and is designed to be extremely user-friendly.

Comparison with bexio

Benefits of Using Magic Heidi for Freelancers

• Simplicity: You can create your first invoice in 30 seconds or so.
• Swiss-Specific Features: Automatic QR-code invoices, support for Swiss VAT, multiple currencies and bank accounts.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Use on mobile or desktop; your data syncs across devices.
• Dedicated to Freelancers: It’s built with one-person businesses in mind — no unnecessary complexity.

Note for Enterprise customers

Magic Heidi is not a full substitute for bexio if you need advanced SME modules (project management, large inventory, payroll etc). It’s an excellent choice for freelancers who primarily need invoicing + expense tracking with Swiss-compliant features. So position it accordingly: simple, streamlined, and freelancer-friendly—not full enterprise accounting.

While Magic Heidi is a standalone tool and may not offer full bidirectional integration with bexio out of the box, here are potential scenarios:

• Data Syncing: Export invoices or contacts from Magic Heidi and import into bexio to keep all systems consistent.
• Expense Management: Use Magic Heidi’s expense-scanning capabilities and push those entries into bexio accounting (if you build a custom workflow) — though you’ll need to check whether Magic Heidi exposes an API or whether you’ll need intermediate steps.
• Unified Data: By combining bexio (for comprehensive accounting) + Magic Heidi (for streamlined freelancer workflows) you get best of both worlds — but this may require custom setup or manual exports.