Users in Multiple Apps

What happens if a user is in multiple apps powered by Tuku Pay?

When designing a system where a user can belong to multiple apps, it's important to consider flexibility, scalability, and data integrity. Here are some best practices for managing users who are associated with multiple apps:

1. Use a Many-to-Many Relationship

  • Design your database to allow users to be linked to multiple apps.

    • Create a Users Table with unique user information (e.g., userId, name, phone, email).

    • Create an Apps Table with unique app information (e.g., appId, app name, description).

    • Use a User-App Mapping Table (or join table) to link users to apps. This table should include:

      • userId

      • appId

      • Role or permissions (if needed).

2. Roles and Permissions Per App

  • Define user roles and permissions for each app. A user may have different roles in different apps (e.g., admin in one app and viewer in another).

  • Store roles in the User-App Mapping Table for flexibility:

    {
  "userId": "user123",
  "appId": "app456",
  "role": "admin"
}

3. Centralized User Identity

  • Maintain a global user identity:

    • Users have a single global profile (name, phone, KYC, etc.) shared across all apps.

    • App-specific details (e.g., role, permissions, preferences) are stored in the mapping table.

  • This avoids duplicating user data across apps and allows users to update their profile centrally.

4. App-Specific Context

  • When interacting with your API, include the appId in the request to provide app-specific context. For example:

    • Request Body for Transactions:

      {
  "userId": "user123",
  "appId": "app456",
  "transactionAmount": 100.0
}

5. Consistent Account Numbers

  • Assign a global account number to each user, regardless of the app. This simplifies integration while allowing app-specific operations.

6. App-Agnostic User Features

  • Users who interact with multiple apps should retain app-agnostic features (e.g., wallet balance, KYC status).

  • Allow apps to retrieve only the subset of user data relevant to them for privacy and security.

7. Handling Duplicate Registrations

  • Avoid registering the same user multiple times for different apps. Instead:

    • Check if a user exists globally based on their phone or email.

    • Link the existing user to the new app in the User-App Mapping Table.

8. Data Privacy and Security

  • Limit app owners' access to user data. App owners should see only the data specific to their app.

  • Use access controls and role-based authorization.

Example Workflow for a Multi-App User

User Registration Flow

  1. Step 1: A new user registers for App A:

    • The system creates the user globally and links them to App A.

    • Role: Admin.

  2. Step 2: The same user registers for App B:

    • The system recognizes the existing user (based on phone/email).

    • Links the user to App B.

    • Role: Viewer.

Request Example for App A

{
  "userId": "user123",
  "appId": "appA",
  "action": "view_balance"
}

Request Example for App B{

  "userId": "user123",
  "appId": "appB",
  "action": "create_transaction"
}

By following these practices, you can effectively manage users across multiple apps while maintaining data integrity and providing app-specific flexibility. Let me know if you'd like help implementing this in your API!

PreviousYour App Users/CustomersNextCreate Transaction Products