What is required to enable an API call from an external service to Salesforce B2C Commerce?

Enabling an API call from an external service to Salesforce B2C Commerce requires an API client ID and secret. This authentication mechanism is designed to ensure that only authorized interactions occur between external systems and Salesforce B2C Commerce.

When an external service wants to interact with Salesforce B2C Commerce, it must present its API client ID and secret to prove its identity. This is part of the OAuth 2.0 authentication flow, which is commonly used in API communication. The client ID identifies the application making the request, while the secret verifies that the request is coming from an authorized source. Together, they provide a secure method for authenticating requests and protecting sensitive data.

The use of an API client ID and secret allows Salesforce B2C Commerce to manage permissions effectively and maintain security across API interactions, ensuring that only trusted external services can access its resources and functionalities.