Fixing Search Service Issues A Guide To Removing Mock Data And Improving Amadeus API Integration

by StackCamp Team 97 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into fixing some crucial issues with our search service. Right now, it's falling back on mock data, which means users aren't seeing real flight options. We need to ditch the fake flights and get the Amadeus API working smoothly. This article will walk you through the problems, the solutions, and the steps we need to take to get everything up and running. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Problem: The Mock Data Dilemma

The core issue we're facing is that our search service is defaulting to mock data instead of pulling real-time flight information. This means when a user searches for a flight, they're getting a list of pretend flights, which isn't exactly helpful. It's like going to a restaurant and being handed a menu full of imaginary dishes – frustrating, right? We need to ensure our users see actual available flights, and that means fixing our reliance on mock data.

Current Issues: A Deep Dive

Let’s break down the specific problems we’re encountering:

  1. Mock data by default: The configuration is set to use_mock=True, which forces the service to use fake data. This is like having a safety net that’s accidentally become the main attraction. We need to flip this switch and make real data the star of the show.
  2. Silent API failures: The Amadeus authentication process is failing without giving us proper error messages. This is like trying to start a car that just silently refuses to turn over – no clues, no hints, just silence. We need to make sure these failures are properly logged and reported so we can troubleshoot them effectively.
  3. Hardcoded airport codes: We're only supporting a limited number of cities because the airport codes are hardcoded. This is like having a GPS that only knows about 20 locations – not very useful for global travel. We need a more dynamic way to look up airport codes to support a wider range of destinations.

What Needs To Be Done: The Action Plan

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s what we need to do to solve these issues and get our search service working like a charm.

1. Fix Amadeus Authentication

Authentication is the key to unlocking the Amadeus API. If we can't authenticate, we can't get real flight data. Think of it as having the right key to the treasure chest of flight information. Here’s how we’re going to fix it:

# In search_service.py, improve the _authenticate method:
def _authenticate(self) -> bool:
    # Add proper error logging
    # Add retry logic (max 3 attempts)
    # Return clear error messages instead of silent failures
  • Add proper error logging: We need to know exactly what’s going wrong when authentication fails. This means implementing detailed logging that captures the error messages and any other relevant information. It's like having a detective on the case, collecting all the clues.
  • Add retry logic (max 3 attempts): Sometimes, APIs hiccup. A temporary network issue or a slight delay can cause authentication to fail. By adding retry logic, we give the system a chance to recover from these temporary setbacks. It’s like giving the car a few tries to start before calling a tow truck.
  • Return clear error messages instead of silent failures: No more silent treatment! We need the system to tell us what’s going on. Clear error messages will help us quickly identify and resolve authentication issues. It’s like having a diagnostic tool that pinpoints the problem.

2. Remove Mock Data Dependency

Time to cut the cord on mock data! We want real flights, not pretend ones. This is a crucial step in providing accurate and useful search results to our users. We’re going to change the default behavior so that the service looks for real data unless specifically told to use mock data.

# Change default behavior:
self.use_mock = flight_config.get('use_mock', False)  # Default to False

By setting the default value of use_mock to False, we ensure that the service will always try to fetch real flight data first. It’s like setting the GPS to the correct destination instead of a fictional one.

3. Improve Airport Code Lookup

Hardcoded airport codes are a major limitation. We need a more flexible and scalable solution. Think of it as upgrading from a paper map to a real-time GPS system. We’re going to use the Amadeus Airport Search API to dynamically look up airport codes based on the city entered by the user.

# Replace hardcoded mapping with API call:
def _get_airport_code(self, city: str) -> str:
    # Use Amadeus Airport Search API: /v1/reference-data/locations
    # Cache results to avoid repeated calls
    # Handle cases where city isn't found
  • Use Amadeus Airport Search API: We'll leverage the Amadeus API to search for airport codes. This API is a goldmine of location data, and it will allow us to support a vast number of cities. It’s like having access to a global database of airport information.
  • Cache results to avoid repeated calls: We don’t want to bombard the Amadeus API with requests every time someone searches for a flight. Caching the results will help us reduce API calls and improve performance. It’s like saving frequently used addresses in your GPS for quick access.
  • Handle cases where city isn't found: Sometimes, users might enter a city that’s not recognized or doesn’t have an airport. We need to gracefully handle these cases and provide informative messages to the user. It’s like having the GPS say, “Oops, we couldn’t find that location,” instead of just freezing up.

Acceptance Criteria: The Checklist for Success

Before we can declare victory, we need to make sure we’ve met certain criteria. This is our checklist for success, ensuring we’ve addressed all the issues and the search service is working as expected.

  • [ ] Amadeus API authentication works reliably
  • [ ] Search returns real flight data instead of mock data
  • [ ] Proper error messages when API calls fail
  • [ ] Support for more cities (not just hardcoded list)
  • [ ] Clear logging of what's happening during search

Expected Outcome: The Promised Land

Once we’ve implemented these changes, the expected outcome is clear: when a user searches for flights, they’ll get actual available flights from the Amadeus API, not fake mock data. Imagine a user searching for “London to Paris” and seeing a list of real, bookable flights – that’s the experience we’re aiming for!

Priority: High đź”´

This is a high-priority issue because it’s blocking core functionality. Users expect real search results, and we need to deliver on that expectation. It’s like having a broken front door – we need to fix it ASAP.

Estimated Effort: 1 Day

We estimate that this will take about a day to complete. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • 2-3 hours: Fix authentication and error handling
  • 2-3 hours: Implement proper airport code lookup
  • 1-2 hours: Testing and debugging

Dependencies: What We Need to Get Started

To get started, we need a few things in place:

  • Valid Amadeus API credentials in config
  • Basic understanding of Amadeus API endpoints

With these dependencies in hand, we’ll be well-equipped to tackle these issues and get our search service back on track.

Conclusion: Let's Get This Done!

So, there you have it – a clear roadmap for fixing our search service. By tackling the Amadeus authentication, ditching mock data, and improving airport code lookup, we’ll provide our users with the real flight search experience they deserve. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get this done, guys!