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Introduction to APIs in Python

Dive into the exciting world of APIs as we introduce you to the basics of consuming and working with Web APIs using Python.

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2 hours7 videos24 exercises
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Course Description

Dive into the exciting world of APIs as we introduce you to the basics of consuming and working with Web APIs using Python. This course is designed to demystify the concepts and practical applications of APIs. It offers you a hands-on introduction where you'll learn how to interact with a REST API and integrate it into your applications or workflows. By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of APIs and the confidence to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Unveiling the world of APIs

The course starts by explaining what APIs are and how they're pivotal in today's digital landscape. You'll get your hands dirty by making simple API requests in Python . Through engaging examples and interactive exercises, you'll learn how to effectively use the `requests` package to communicate with APIs. We'll break down the anatomy of an API request, helping you grasp the request/response cycle and delve into the significance of HTTP request components like URLs, paths, and parameters. Moreover, you'll learn how to handle headers and interpret status codes, empowering you to interact with APIs confidently.

Mastering REST APIs with Python

We will advance to the next level as we focus on more advanced API concepts. You'll learn about various authentication methods, including Basic Auth and API tokens, and understand how to secure your API interactions. The course will guide you through the nuances of sending and retrieving data, emphasizing the importance of headers, status codes, and response structures in REST. You'll gain practical experience in working with JSON data, allowing you to process and send data easily. By the end of this chapter, you'll be adept at making informed decisions when integrating with REST APIs, ensuring a seamless data exchange.
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  1. 1

    Making API Requests with Python

    Free

    This chapter introduces Web APIs, showing you how to make your first API requests with the requests Python package. You’ll learn about the key components of an API request, HTTP verbs, and how to build URLs and send & receive data. We’ll also cover headers and status codes, using a music catalog API for practical examples. By the end of this chapter you'll be able to confidently integrate a simple REST API with Python.

    Play Chapter Now
    Introduction to APIs
    50 xp
    API requests with urllib
    100 xp
    Using the requests package
    100 xp
    The basic anatomy of an API request
    50 xp
    The 4 most important HTTP Verbs
    100 xp
    Constructing a URL with parameters
    100 xp
    Creating and deleting resources using an API
    100 xp
    Headers and status codes
    50 xp
    Response codes and APIs
    100 xp
    Using request and response headers
    100 xp
    Handling content-types errors
    100 xp
  2. 2

    More API request concepts

    In this chapter, you’ll learn how to authenticate with APIs, covering different methods like Basic and API key authentication using the requests package. We’ll then dive into working with structured data, focusing on requesting and handling JSON data. Finally, you’ll master error handling, including how to manage errors with requests, understand error types, and respect API rate limits.

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collaborators

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George Boorman
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Arne Warnke
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Kat Zahradova

prerequisites

Intermediate Python for Developers
Chris Ramakers HeadshotChris Ramakers

Engineering Manager

Chris is an Engineering Manager at DataCamp where he has supported multiple product and platform teams. He has over 20 years of professional experience, starting off as a web developer, then moving more towards backend- and asynchronous systems before moving to a management role, leading the Enterprise Integrations team at DataCamp. In his spare time he enjoys listening to and attending metal concerts as well as playing tabletop roleplaying games.
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