- What are APIs?
- What are benefits of using APIs?
- API potential applications
- Real world examples
- APIs vs Connectors vs Data Dumps
- I am not technical, where do I start?
- How do I access to Adthena's API?
What are APIs?
APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.
They serve as an intermediary, enabling developers to access and use the features and functionalities of another application or service.
Adthena has a RESTful API service that allows you to programmatically request your account data at scale. We have a unidirectional API, which essentially means that you can request data 'from' Adthena, but not send data 'to' Adthena.
What are benefits of using APIs?
APIs allow different applications to communicate and exchange data with each other in a standardized way. This means that you can access your data more efficiently, without having to reinvent the wheel each time. Benefits include:
- Greater flexibility: APIs can be used to integrate different applications and systems, making it possible to create new workflows and automate processes.
- Automated data retrieval: APIs can be used to automate the retrieval of data from different sources, reducing the time and effort required to collect data manually.
- Standardized data format: APIs use standardized data formats, making it easier to integrate data from different sources and ensure consistency across reports.
- Customizable reporting: APIs can be used to create customized reports that meet specific business needs, enabling stakeholders to get the information they need in the format they prefer.
API potential applications
- Integrate our data into your systems.
- Store our daily data so that you have access to more.
- Build your own apps from our data.
- Include your own data in these apps.
- Visualize our data with other data sources.
- Build your own alerts from our data.
- Real world examples
Build you own apps, add widgets to your website
APIs allow developers to integrate another platforms' functionalities into their own applications, websites, or services. For example when you want to embed a social media feed on your website, you typically use the API provided by the respective social media platform to fetch and display content from that platform.
- Social media APIs: Twitter, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit
- Geolocation APIs: Google Maps, OpenStreetMap
- Weather APIs: OpenWeatherMap, Weather Underground
Get business API
- Pendo API allows developers to integrate its functionality into their own applications, retrieve data, and perform various actions programmatically.
- Salesforce API provides a comprehensive set of APIs that allow developers to integrate, extend, and interact with Salesforce's features and data. Using Salesforce APIs, you can build custom applications, automate processes, retrieve and update data, and more.
Do not have an API
Netflix does not offer a public API for external developers to access and integrate its content or services into their own applications. There might be several reasons for this:
Content Licensing and Copyright: Netflix's content library consists of a wide variety of licensed movies, TV shows, and original content. The rights and licensing agreements for this content might limit how and where it can be distributed. Offering an API could potentially complicate matters related to content distribution and copyright.
Content Security and Control: Netflix may want to maintain tight control over its content delivery to ensure that it's only accessible through authorized channels. Opening up an API might raise concerns about content security and unauthorized distribution.
Data Privacy and Personalization: Netflix collects data about user preferences and viewing habits to provide personalized recommendations. Offering an API could raise concerns about data privacy and how user information is handled by third-party applications.
See API use cases and SEM data visualization tools frequently integrated using Adthena's API.
APIs vs Connectors vs Data Dumps
In addition to the standard raw API, Connectors and Data Dumps also harness API data but have distinct purposes for accessing and utilizing data:
APIs
Raw API usage involves direct interaction with an API to access and manipulate data without intermediaries. Software developers make HTTP requests, handle responses, and utilize the API's capabilities for real-time data exchange and task automation. It provides flexibility, control, and facilitates seamless data manipulation.
Technical proficiency level: Working with an API requires a level of technical expertise, and having a programming background is essential. While you don't need to be an advanced or expert software developer, a solid understanding of programming is crucial for effectively utilizing APIs.
Connectors
Connectors act as middleware that bridges the gap between different software applications or platforms. They are often used to establish a connection and facilitate data transfer between systems that may not have a direct integration. They simplify the process of integration by handling the technical details of connecting systems, managing data formats, and ensuring secure communication without needing to build everything from scratch.
Benefits
- Simplified Integration: API connectors provide pre-built solutions that simplify the integration process between different systems. They handle the technical complexities of connecting systems, data mapping, and authentication, reducing the development time and effort required for integration.
- Time and Cost Savings: By utilizing API connectors, businesses can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on developing custom integration solutions. The connectors offer ready-made functionality, reducing the need for extensive coding and testing.
- Standardized Data Exchange: API connectors ensure that data is exchanged in a standardized format between systems. They handle data mapping, transformation, and serialization, ensuring seamless communication and reducing the chances of data compatibility issues.
Limitations
- Dependency on Third-Party Solutions: API connectors rely on third-party providers to maintain and update them. Businesses using API connectors are dependent on the provider's availability, support, and compatibility with future system updates or API changes.
- Limited Customization: API connectors offer pre-defined functionality, which may not meet specific customization requirements. Businesses with unique integration needs may face limitations in modifying or extending the connector's capabilities.
Technical proficiency level: Requires moderate technical proficiency. Basic understanding of APIs, data formats (e.g., JSON or XML), and interaction methods is essential, though expert programming skills are not mandatory.
Data Dumps
Data Dumps, also known as data exports or data extracts, refer to large datasets that are exported or dumped from a system or database. They are typically provided in a structured format such as CSV, JSON, or SQL. Data Dumps allow users to access a snapshot of data at a specific point in time, enabling offline analysis, reporting, or data backup purposes. They provide a bulk transfer of data but may require additional processing or transformation before use.
Technical proficiency level: You don't need to be technical. Data Dumps are often provided in a structured format, such as CSV or JSON, which can be easily understood and manipulated using various software tools.
In summary:
- APIs provide real-time access to data, allowing for dynamic interactions and automation.
- Connectors streamline data exchange between applications that lack direct integration.
- Data Dumps offer a one-time snapshot of data for offline analysis or backup purposes.
The choice between APIs, Connectors, or Data Dumps depends on the specific requirements of the use case, desired level of data interaction and integration and availability of technical resource.
I am not technical, where do I start?
If you're a novice but keen to use our API and have access to a software engineer, the best thing to do is think about what you want to achieve and ignore how it would be done. For example, if your end goal is to have a Market Trends widget in Tableau next to your Google Ads, Google Analytics and internal BI data, just think about how you would like to filter it in-app, export the data and share it with your software developer along with Adthena's API documentation.
How do I access to Adthena's API?
Email support@adthena.com with your account details and we'll take care of the rest!
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