The "Simple Reminder API" project aims to create an API that allows users to set, manage, and receive reminders. Users will be able to schedule reminders by specifying the date, time, and description, and the API will trigger reminders through various channels such as email or SMS at the specified time. The API will provide functionality for creating, updating, and deleting reminders, as well as retrieving a list of upcoming or past reminders. The focus is on building a straightforward, reliable, and efficient API that can be integrated into web and mobile applications.
Detailed Description
Reminders are essential for helping people manage their tasks and appointments. This API will allow developers to integrate reminder functionality into their applications, making it easy for users to set reminders for specific dates and times. The API will support reminders via email or SMS, providing flexibility for users to choose how they wish to receive notifications. In addition to creating reminders, the API will allow users to update, delete, and view upcoming or past reminders.
Here’s a detailed look at how the API will function:
Reminder Creation:
Input Fields:
Title: A short title for the reminder (e.g., "Doctor's Appointment").
Description: A more detailed description of the reminder.
Date and Time: The exact date and time when the reminder should trigger.
Notification Type: Specify how the reminder will be sent (e.g., email, SMS, or both).
Contact Details: Email address or phone number for receiving the reminder.
Reminder Management:
Update Reminders: Users can update existing reminders to change the date, time, or description.
Delete Reminders: Users can delete reminders once they are no longer needed.
View Reminders: Users can retrieve upcoming reminders and filter reminders by date range.
Notifications:
Email Notifications: Reminders will be sent via email at the specified time.
SMS Notifications: Users can opt to receive reminders via SMS (if supported).
Custom Notification Messages: Users can customize the reminder message content.
Optional Features:
Recurring Reminders: Allow users to set recurring reminders (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).
Time Zone Support: Automatically adjust reminder times based on the user’s time zone.
Example Usage
Imagine a user named Sarah who needs to set a reminder for her doctor's appointment next week. She inputs the reminder details, including the appointment time, date, and her email address. When the specified date and time arrive, the API triggers an email notification reminding her of the appointment. If Sarah reschedules the appointment, she can update the reminder accordingly.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The "Simple Reminder API" will allow users to create and manage reminders by specifying details such as the reminder time, title, and notification method. The API will notify users via email or SMS when a reminder is due. The API is designed to be simple to use, reliable, and easy to integrate into existing applications.
2. Objectives
Allow users to create, update, and delete reminders.
Notify users via email or SMS when reminders are due.
Provide options to view upcoming or past reminders.
Ensure reminders can be set for specific dates and times, with support for customization and recurring reminders.
3. Functional Requirements
Reminder Creation
Title: A required field for the reminder title (e.g., "Project Deadline").
Description: A field for an optional detailed description of the reminder.
Date and Time: Specify the exact time when the reminder should trigger.
Notification Type: Allow users to choose between email, SMS, or both.
Contact Details: Collect the user’s email or phone number to send notifications.
Reminder Management
Create Reminder: Users can create a new reminder by providing the required details.
Update Reminder: Allow users to update the time, description, or notification settings for an existing reminder.
Delete Reminder: Enable users to delete reminders they no longer need.
View Reminders: Retrieve a list of reminders by date or status (upcoming, past).
Notifications
Email: Send reminders via email.
SMS: Send reminders via SMS (optional).
Custom Messages: Allow users to customize the content of the reminder message.
Optional Features
Recurring Reminders: Allow reminders to repeat on a schedule (e.g., daily, weekly).
Time Zone Adjustments: Automatically adjust reminder times based on user time zones.
4. Non-Functional Requirements
Scalability: The API should handle a growing number of users and reminders efficiently.
Performance: Ensure notifications are sent at the exact specified time.
Reliability: Ensure that reminders are triggered without fail, even if the server is under load.
Usability: Provide clear documentation and examples for easy integration.
5. Use Cases
Set Reminder: A user schedules a reminder for a specific time and receives an email or SMS notification when the time arrives.
Update Reminder: A user updates the details of an existing reminder (e.g., changing the reminder time).
View Upcoming Reminders: A user retrieves a list of upcoming reminders based on a specific date range.
6. User Stories
As a user, I want to set a reminder for a specific date and time, so I don't forget important events.
As a user, I want to receive an email or SMS notification when my reminder is due.
As a user, I want to view all my upcoming reminders to see what's scheduled.
As a user, I want to delete reminders I no longer need, so my list of reminders stays organized.
As a user, I want to set recurring reminders for tasks that happen regularly, like weekly meetings.
7. Technical Requirements
Programming Language: Use a backend language like Node.js, Python, or Ruby to develop the API.
Framework: Use Express.js (Node.js), Flask (Python), or Rails (Ruby) for routing and API logic.
Database: Use a relational database like PostgreSQL or MySQL to store reminder details.
Notification Service: Integrate with an email and SMS service (e.g., SendGrid for email, Twilio for SMS).
8. API Endpoints
Reminder Management
Create Reminder
Endpoint:
POST /api/reminders
Update Reminder
Endpoint:
PUT /api/reminders/{id}
Delete Reminder
Endpoint:
DELETE /api/reminders/{id}
View Upcoming Reminders
Endpoint:
GET /api/reminders/upcoming
9. Security
HTTPS: Use HTTPS to ensure secure data transmission.
Authentication: If user accounts are supported, implement token-based authentication (e.g., JWT) for managing reminders securely.
Input Validation: Ensure inputs (e.g., dates, times, email addresses, phone numbers) are properly validated.
10. Performance
Low Latency: Ensure reminders are triggered with minimal latency.
Retry Logic: If a notification fails (e.g., email fails to send), retry to ensure the reminder is delivered.
11. Documentation
Provide detailed API documentation using tools like Swagger or Postman to ensure developers can easily integrate the API.
Include sample code and error-handling examples for different use cases.
12. Glossary
API: Application Programming Interface, a set of rules that allows software programs to interact with each other.
JWT: JSON Web Token, a method for securely transmitting information between parties.
SMS: Short Message Service, a method of sending text messages to mobile devices.
13. Appendix
Include flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate how reminders are created, stored, and triggered.
Let me know if you need any further modifications or additional details!
