You may have heard someone talking about IFTTT or seen it on the web. So, what is IFTTT and how does it help you achieve your goals with Home Automation?
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT was initially released in 2011 as a service that allowed users to program a response to events that occur from an application or device. Essentially allowing a programmer to create and use triggers to perform a task.
If this happens then do that! Many applications and device manufacturers adopted an IFTTT service. You can use the data from these applications for either triggers or a response.
These services were API’s or Application Program Interfaces that were called applets. They were created to allow users to visually add and connect different applications and devices together to perform the trigger and response result.
Examples of IFTTT Applets
Early in the development of smart home devices and automation, many of the device applications and the control platforms such as the popular Voice Assistants had not created many different routines based on other data triggers.
Therefore the IFTTT platform was born. Most smart device manufacturers include an API in their mobile app. This allows you to give permissions to share data and authenticate logins across apps or devices with an IFTTT integration.
This is not much different than the Alexa Skills apps that allow permissions and integrations when you enable a skill. You have to login and allow the shared data and authentication in order for it to work.
There are probably hundreds if not thousands of IFTTT services and applets that work with many different applications. Not only do they work with physical smart devices such as smart lights, smart switches, but they also integrate some data triggers and actions with other apps, for instance, email or social media.
How to Find, Create, and Enable IFTTT Applets?
First you must either go to the IFTTT Website and create a free account, or you can download the mobile app and create your account.
The free account allows you to enable unlimited Applets published by services and other users. However you can only create three for personal use. The Pro plan allows you to create as many Applets as you want and add logic, code, and queries. This requires a monthly subscription fee of $3.99.
There is a plan for developers as well if you or your company plan on creating services for the IFTTT platform.
After you have your account set up, you can search for applets under the Explore tab. Type the name of your device or app such as Nest Thermostat, or Instagram.
You will then see all of the created Applets related to the device or app that you searched. If you find one you like you can enable it to try it out.
If you wish to create an Applet, go to the Create page and add a product or service by following the If This Then That logic to create your own Applet.
Now that you are familiar with creating and enabling IFTTT apps and services, you can empower the IoT (Internet of Things) to truly live the automated life and enjoy the satisfaction that you are in control.
