Connecting Flutter to Back4App Using Parse SDK

Introduction

Enter Back4App, a backend service provider offering a scalable and feature-rich platform for app developers. With its intuitive interface and extensive set of tools, Back4App simplifies backend management, allowing developers to focus on creating exceptional user experiences.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the seamless integration of Flutter with Back4App using the Parse SDK. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to enhance your app’s backend capabilities or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of cross-platform app development, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to connect your Flutter app to Back4App effortlessly.

Step 1 : Installing Flutter plugin for Parse Server

To include the Parse in your project dependencies, simply add it to the pubspec.yaml file. Here’s how you can do it:

parse_server_sdk_flutter: ^7.0.1

Step 2 : Setting up Parse SDK

In your main.dart file, include the Parse SDK by importing it.

After adding the library to your project, let’s now initialize Parse. Go to main.dart, and add the following code:

void main() async {
  WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();
  final keyApplicationId = 'YOUR_APP_ID_HERE';
  final keyClientKey = 'YOUR_CLIENT_KEY_HERE';
  final keyParseServerUrl = 'https://parseapi.back4app.com';

  await Parse().initialize(
    keyApplicationId,
    keyParseServerUrl,
    clientKey: keyClientKey,
    autoSendSessionId: true,
  );
}

To ensure a secure connection between the application and the Back4App servers, it is necessary to provide the Parse SDK with the credentials of your application.

To establish the connection, you need to update the string values with your Application Id, Client key, and Server URL. You can find your Application Id and Client Key credentials by navigating to your app Dashboard, then go to App Settings and click on Security & Keys.

Insert these credentials in the main.dart file after copying them.

• keyApplicationId(App Id)
• keyClientKey(Client Key)

Step 3 : Test your connection

Verify the functionality of the SDK by testing Parse with your application. Add the following test code to main:

void main() async {
  WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();
  
  final keyApplicationId = 'YOUR_APP_ID_HERE';
  final keyClientKey = 'YOUR_CLIENT_KEY_HERE';
  final keyParseServerUrl = 'https://parseapi.back4app.com';

  await Parse().initialize(
    keyApplicationId,
    keyParseServerUrl,
    clientKey: keyClientKey,
    autoSendSessionId: true,
  );

  var firstObject = ParseObject('FirstClass')
    ..set('message', 'Parse is connected');

  await firstObject.save();
}

Launch your app and navigate to the Back4App website. Locate your app and click on DASHBOARD. Proceed to Database > Browser > First Class. You should observe the First Class with an object, as illustrated below.

The installation of the Parse SDK in your Flutter application is now finished! You can now easily connect to Back4App without any issues.