Introduction to Microsoft Graph

1. Introduction to Microsoft Graph

Welcome to this new video! Imagine opening one app to check your emails, calendar, and files all at once. Microsoft Graph makes that possible. In this videos, we’ll explore how it brings the data together.

2. What is Microsoft Graph?

Microsoft Graph is a unified API to access Microsoft 365 data. Microsoft 365 data means things like your calendar, emails, files, and even your manager’s name, all the information stored across Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and Entra ID. With Microsoft Graph, instead of connecting to each service separately, you use one endpoint. It simplifies development with a single authentication flow and SDK.

3. Example: PeopleSphere with Microsoft Graph

For example, PeopleSphere uses Outlook for leave requests, Teams for HR meetings, and OneDrive for payslips. Normally, that would mean managing three different connections. But Microsoft Graph connects them all in one place, making integration much easier.

4. Anatomy of a Graph API call

Microsoft Graph API gives you a simple way to interact with Microsoft Cloud service resources using a single endpoint.

5. Breaking down the request

Now, let’s break down each part of this request: First, the HTTP method defines the action, like GET, POST, or DELETE. Next, the Version shows the API version. Then, the Resource is the data you interact with, such as users. After that, Query Parameters let you filter or select specific data. Finally, your request includes Headers, which contain metadata like your Authorization token to prove who you are.

6. Methods

Now, let's dive into the supported HTTP methods that allow you to manage your data. First, GET lets you retrieve data, like fetching user information. POST is used to create new data, such as adding a calendar event. PUT replaces data entirely, PATCH allows you to make partial updates to existing data, like editing a user’s profile. while DELETE removes data from the system, such as deleting a file or user.

7. Versioning: v1.0

Now, we’ll discuss the different versions of Microsoft Graph API: v1.0 and beta. The v1.0 version is stable, containing generally available APIs. This is the version to use for all production apps.

8. Versioning: beta

On the other hand, beta includes preview features that are still in development. While beta is great for testing new functionalities, it’s not stable and may undergo breaking changes, so it should only be used in testing environments, not production.

9. Resource

In Microsoft Graph, a Resource is the data you work with. For example, you might use /users to get user details, /groups for group info, or /events to access calendar events.

10. Query parameters

Along with resources, Query Parameters let you customize your request. For example, $select lets you choose which fields to include, like id. $filter helps you narrow results down based on conditions, and $top limits the number of results returned, like getting only the first 5 users.

11. Headers

Headers are used to carry important metadata with both requests and responses. They provide information about the data being sent and received. There are two main types of headers: First, Standard Headers. These are used in all requests. For example, Authorization is for secure access, and Content-Type tells the format of the data. Next, API-Specific Headers. These depend on the API call. For example, Retry-After tells you how long to wait before retrying, and Location shows where to track long-running operations.

12. Let's practice!

Now, let’s strengthen your knowledge with some exercises!

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