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.

Introduction to APIs

API requests with urllib

Using the requests package

The basic anatomy of an API request

The 4 most important HTTP Verbs

Constructing a URL with parameters

Creating and deleting resources using an API

Headers and status codes

Response codes and APIs

Using request and response headers

Handling content-types errors

Making API Requests with Python

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.

API Authentication

Authentication methods

API authentication methods

Basic Authentication with requests

API key authentication with requests

Working with structured data

Requesting JSON data from an API

Receiving JSON with the requests package

Sending JSON with the requests package

Error handling

Handling errors with Requests

Respecting API rate limits

Final thoughts

More API request concepts

Course Glossary

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.

The videos contain live transcripts you can reveal by clicking "Show transcript" at the bottom left of the videos.
The course glossary can be found on the right in the resources section.
To obtain CPE credits you need to complete the course and reach a score of 70% on the qualified assessment. You can navigate to the assessment by clicking on the CPE credits callout on the right.

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.

<h2>Unveiling the world of APIs</h2>
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.

<h2>Mastering REST APIs with Python</h2>
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.

Intermediate Python for Developers

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

Introduction to APIs in Python

Creare API in Python

Ingegnere dei dati in Python

Requesting JSON data from an API

Introduction to APIs in Python

Esercizio pratico interattivo