Question 1

How do I use Watson SDK in a React application?

Accepted Answer

You can bundle the SDK with tools like Webpack and use it client-side for CORS-supported services, but authentication tokens must be generated server-side. For full functionality, consider a Node.js backend to handle API calls and pass data to React.

Question 2

Watson Node.js SDK vs making direct API calls - which is better?

Accepted Answer

The SDK simplifies authentication, request handling, and error parsing, saving development time. However, direct API calls offer more control and avoid SDK overhead, making them preferable for custom integrations or when minimizing dependencies is critical.

Question 3

How to handle errors properly in Watson SDK?

Accepted Answer

Use try-catch with async/await or .catch() on Promises, as errors include detailed fields like message, body, headers, and code. The README shows examples where err objects provide structured information for debugging.

Question 4

Can Watson SDK be used with TypeScript?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the SDK includes TypeScript definitions, so you get type safety and autocompletion in IDEs. Import types from the package and use them with async functions for a smoother development experience.

Question 5

How to set up IAM authentication with Watson SDK?

Accepted Answer

Use the IamAuthenticator from 'ibm-watson/auth' with your API key, and the SDK manages token lifecycle automatically. Alternatively, load credentials from an ibm-credentials.env file for easier configuration without hardcoding keys.

Question 6

What are the browser support limitations for Watson SDK?

Accepted Answer

Browser usage depends on CORS support per service, and some features like WebSockets for Speech-to-Text require server-side token generation. Check the README for specific service compatibility and use examples for bundler setups.

Question 7

How to disable SSL verification for testing in Watson SDK?

Accepted Answer

Set disableSslVerification to true in the service constructor or authenticator, but note this has security risks and should only be used in development. The README warns it's for cases where you really mean to bypass verification.

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