> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.laminar.run/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.laminar.run/building-an-integration/best-practices.md).

# Best Practices

Learn all the best practices to build simple integrations that scale

When designing workflows in Laminar, following these best practices will help you create solutions that are maintainable, secure, and performant as your integrations grow.

## Keep Workflows Focused

* Design each workflow to accomplish a single, well-defined purpose
* Break complex processes into multiple linked workflows instead of creating monolithic configurations
* Use [asynchronous workflow triggering](/building-an-integration/advanced/workflows/invoke-secondary-workflows.md) for independent sub-processes

## Implement Proper Error Handling

* Add validation steps at the beginning of workflows
* Add [exit points](/building-an-integration/advanced/workflows/workflow-exit-points.md) with descriptive messages for expected failure scenarios or inputs that don't meet requirements
* Design workflows to be idempotent whenever possible

## Credential Management

* Never hardcode credentials in workflow step programs
* Use [Laminar's configuration management system](/building-an-integration/advanced/configurations.md) for all sensitive information
* Rotate credentials regularly via configuration updates