Send SMS with Node.js, NestJS, and Infobip - code-examples -

Frequently Asked Questions

Install the Infobip SDK (`npm install @infobip-api/sdk`) and the NestJS ConfigModule (`npm install @nestjs/config`). Create a NestJS service to handle sending SMS using the Infobip API and a controller to create an endpoint to trigger the SMS sending functionality. Configure environment variables for your Infobip API key and base URL. Finally, create a DTO for request validation.
The Infobip Node.js SDK (`@infobip-api/sdk`) simplifies interaction with the Infobip API. It provides pre-built methods for sending SMS messages and handles authentication, reducing the need for direct API calls and simplifying the development process.
NestJS provides a robust, structured framework with features like dependency injection, modularity, and built-in configuration management. This simplifies development, testing, and maintenance of SMS sending services compared to plain Node.js.
Use bulk sending when you need to send multiple messages at once, either to different recipients or the same message to many. It's more efficient than individual API calls, reducing overhead and improving performance, especially for high-volume messaging.
Yes, you can use a free trial Infobip account for initial testing. However, be aware of limitations, such as typically being able to send SMS only to the registered phone number during the trial and possible restrictions on sender IDs.
Implement try-catch blocks in your service and controller to handle errors during API calls. Use NestJS's Logger to log error details and optionally create custom exception filters for consistent error responses. Consider retry mechanisms for transient network issues, using exponential backoff to avoid overwhelming the API.
Protect your API key using environment variables and .gitignore. Validate input using DTOs and a ValidationPipe, implement rate limiting with libraries like @nestjs/throttler, and add authentication/authorization (JWT, API keys, OAuth2) to restrict access.
Infobip expects international format, but basic regex validation isn't sufficient. Use a library like libphonenumber-js for robust international number handling, validation, and formatting, accounting for varying country codes and number formats.
Check for trial account limitations, verify the recipient number, examine Infobip's delivery reports using messageId, test with a known valid number, and review sender ID rules for the destination country. Also check your account balance or contact Infobip support if problems continue.
For high volume, use Infobip's bulk sending feature to send multiple messages in a single API call. Implement asynchronous processing with a message queue for very high throughput, decoupling API requests from actual sending. Consider connection pooling if needed for high concurrency.
While sending a single SMS doesn't strictly require a database, for real-world applications, consider PostgreSQL with TypeORM for storing SMS logs, managing recipients, and tracking status updates via webhooks. Ensure appropriate error handling and security measures are also in place.
Create a .env file in your project's root directory. Add your INFOBIP_API_KEY and INFOBIP_BASE_URL from the Infobip portal. Import and configure the ConfigModule in your app.module.ts to make these environment variables accessible in your NestJS application. Never commit your .env file to version control.
The recommended structure includes a sms module with a service and controller for handling SMS logic and API requests. This modular organization promotes code maintainability and separation of concerns.
Use a library like async-retry to wrap your Infobip API calls. Configure retries with exponential backoff, but avoid retrying non-transient errors like invalid API keys. Ensure you're checking for specific error responses from the API to decide when to retry.