How to Join a Zoom Test Meeting Link

If you're new to Zoom or need to join a test meeting link, this article will guide you through the process. We'll cover the necessary steps to join a Zoom meeting using a test link.

To start, make sure you have a current web browser installed on your device. You can use Google Chrome or any other compatible browser to join the meeting. Additionally, ensure that you have the Zoom app installed and ready to use. The app is required for audio, video, and screen sharing during the meeting.

If this is your first time using Zoom, follow the instructions provided by your browser for installing the Zoom app or entering the meeting. If you're using a USB microphone, headset, or webcam, connect them before joining the meeting.

To join the test meeting link, open the meeting request in your email or calendar and click on the 'Join Zoom Meeting' link provided. You can also use a Zoom account to join the meeting, but it's not required for students.

Before joining the meeting, make sure to install and test the Zoom app at least 24 hours before the start of the class. If this is your first class using Zoom, click on either the 'Join Zoom Meeting' link you receive via email or use a Zoom account to join the meeting.

Triggering the Zoom OAuth Flow

For some Continuing Education courses at STLCC, Zoom is used as a meeting platform. To trigger the Zoom OAuth flow, you'll need to define a valid redirect URL in your app settings. Remember to use 'http' instead of 'https' as local SSL certificates might cause additional complications.

Defining a Valid Zoom Redirect URL

To do this, go to the Zoom App Marketplace and navigate to your app settings. Under the 'Redirect URL for OAuth' field, define the domain as 'www.yourapp.com'(http://www.yourapp.com), including the required port, e.g., 8080.

Updating the Host File

However, you might encounter a challenge when trying to test the Zoom OAuth flow locally. Thankfully, there's a method to bypass this restriction by defining a custom domain in your host file.

To do this, open a terminal and execute the following command: `sudo vi /etc/hosts` (on MacOS). Update the host file by adding the line `127.0.0.1 yourapp.localhost`.

Practical Workaround

The inability to define a localhost redirect URL makes it cumbersome to test the application parts of your code that interact with Zoom, resulting in slowed development progress. However, there's a practical workaround that allows you to continue developing and testing locally.

By defining a custom domain in your host file, you can bypass this restriction and test the Zoom OAuth flow locally. This workaround enables developers to overcome the challenge posed by Zoom's policy against using localhost as a redirect URL.

In conclusion, joining a Zoom test meeting link is a straightforward process that requires a current web browser, the Zoom app, and a valid redirect URL. By following these steps, you can successfully join a Zoom meeting and start testing your application parts interactively with Zoom's APIs.

Remember to define a custom domain in your host file to bypass the localhost restriction and continue developing and testing locally. With this practical workaround, you'll be able to overcome the common obstacle posed by Zoom's policy against using localhost as a redirect URL.

Zoom test link