Workshop: Learn what an API is by using one with and without code
You might have heard the word API before. But what does it mean? What is an API? When should you use one? And how do they work?
We will during this workshop cover what, when and how to use an API by actually using one. Along the way we will also mention a lot of terminology that might be new to some, and familiar to others. We will also be looking at some helpful resources that you could use afterwards to dive deeper in to the world of APIs.
In this workshop we will be making API calls both with and without code. So first we will test without code by using POSTman and then do the same thing with PHP code. When we code we will also be using a live server and Vim. Don’t worry, we do it all together 🥳
Preparations
- Download and install the POSTman app (you do not have to create an account on POSTman, it works fine with just the app).
- Create a 46elks account.
- A live server to run PHP on. You can send a SMS with your name to +46766865445 and you get an account on our workshop server.
- A terminal/command line on your computer that you can use SSH and Vim on.
Why and when use APIs?
- Open up access to data.
- Automation.
- Layer on top of complexity.
Terminology
- URL
- request
- response
- status codes
- docs
- GET & POST
- Authentication
- format (json, xml, other)
- Open data
- www-formurl-encoded
- PHP
- SSH
- Using a live server on the terminal
- Vim
- Github
Be brave!
You’ll encounter terminology and abbreviations that make no sense, and that’s ok! You are in this workshop to learn and we’ll do this together. You are here to learn! 👏
Here you can find more information about what we will be doing during the workshop. Some words to look up if you are a curious person. 😍
Speaker
Carolina J. Säll
Developer | 46elks
I studied to become a designer but quickly realized the potential and opportunities in solving problems when using both code and design and got hooked so now I am a designer and developer. Love going to or hosting workshops, meetups, participates in hackathons, or just having a Swedish fika and talk about code, things to build or new things to learn. If you want to talk about events, design or code, just give me a shout-out! You can send an email to Carolina: carolina@46elks.com
Links what are used in recording:
With free events, we answer your questions and wishes. If you want to ask your questions to the speaker in advance, you can email them to info@mimmitkoodaa.fi with the subject “Mimmit koodaa event”. The facilitators will take the questions into account when preparing.
You can also submit requests for new content by e-mail to info@mimmitkoodaa.fi