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Tyler Morgan

Uncover the world of APIs with our comprehensive course. From understanding the meaning of API to exploring REST API and beyond, elevate your skills and enroll today!

What's inside

Syllabus

Learners will discover what an API is and how and why we use APIs. They will also get a brief overview of the basic types of APIs and learn about the components of an API.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops foundational understanding of APIs, including types, components, and usage
Provides a comprehensive exploration of REST APIs
Taught by experienced instructors Tyler Morgan

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Discovering APIs with these activities:
Read 'RESTful Web Services Cookbook' by O'Reilly Media
Gain a practical understanding of RESTful APIs to complement the course.
View RESTful Web APIs on Amazon
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the book's structure and organization.
  • Read Chapter 1 to understand the fundamentals of REST APIs.
  • Work through the examples and exercises provided.
Attend industry conferences or meetups focused on API development
Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and expand your knowledge network.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming industry events related to API development.
  • Register for and attend the events.
  • Engage with speakers, attendees, and exhibitors.
Practice building RESTful APIs with Python and Flask
Strengthen your understanding of RESTful API development by coding along.
Show steps
  • Set up your development environment with Python and Flask.
  • Follow a tutorial to create a simple RESTful API.
  • Implement CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) in your API.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join or organize a study group with fellow API enthusiasts
Enhance your learning through peer collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates or online communities.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule.
  • Discuss course concepts, share resources, and provide feedback.
Explore the official API documentation for a selected API platform
Delve deeper into the technical details of an API platform to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
  • Choose an API platform of interest, such as Twilio or Stripe.
  • Navigate the platform's documentation to familiarize yourself with its features.
  • Follow a tutorial or example to integrate the API into a small project.
Develop a concept API design for a chosen business scenario
Apply the principles of API design to a practical scenario, fostering critical thinking.
Show steps
  • Choose a business scenario that aligns with your interests.
  • Sketch out a high-level design for an API that meets the scenario's needs.
  • Identify the resources, operations, and data structures involved.
  • Write a brief description of your design, explaining its purpose and functionality.
Design and implement a RESTful API prototype using Node.js and Express
Showcase your understanding by building a functional API prototype.
Show steps
  • Plan the structure and functionality of your API.
  • Set up your Node.js and Express development environment.
  • Implement API endpoints for CRUD operations.
  • Run your API locally and test its functionality.
Participate in API design or implementation contests
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills in a competitive environment.
Show steps
  • Identify API-related contests or hackathons.
  • Form a team or work individually.
  • Develop and submit your API design or implementation.
  • Receive feedback and recognition for your work.

Career center

Learners who complete Discovering APIs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
A Software Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software applications. This course can help Software Developers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for connecting different software components and services. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Software Developers can create more efficient and effective software solutions.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to extract insights and build models to solve business problems. This course can help Data Scientists build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for accessing and integrating data from various sources. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Data Scientists can develop more comprehensive and accurate data-driven solutions.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. This course can help Web Developers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for connecting web applications to back-end services and data sources. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Web Developers can create more dynamic and interactive web experiences.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for defining, developing, and launching new products or features. This course can help Product Managers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for integrating new products or features with existing systems and services. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Product Managers can make more informed decisions and create more successful products.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their performance by analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course can help Business Analysts build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for accessing and integrating data from various sources. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Business Analysts can develop more comprehensive and accurate recommendations for improving business processes.
UX Designer
UX Designers create user interfaces that are both visually appealing and easy to use. This course can help UX Designers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for integrating external data and services into user interfaces. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, UX Designers can create more seamless and engaging user experiences.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course can help Systems Analysts build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for integrating different systems and applications. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Systems Analysts can create more efficient and effective system solutions.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course can help Database Administrators build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for accessing and integrating data from databases. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Database Administrators can create more efficient and effective data management solutions.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course can help Network Administrators build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for connecting different networks and devices. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Network Administrators can create more efficient and effective network solutions.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions. This course can help Cloud Architects build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for integrating cloud services with on-premises systems and applications. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Cloud Architects can create more scalable and resilient cloud solutions.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect organizations from cyber threats. This course can help Information Security Analysts build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for integrating security tools and services into an organization's security infrastructure. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Information Security Analysts can create more comprehensive and effective security solutions.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. This course can help Technical Writers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for understanding the technical details of products and services. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Technical Writers can create more accurate and user-friendly documentation.
Quality Assurance Tester
Quality Assurance Testers test software and hardware products to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course can help Quality Assurance Testers build a foundation in APIs, which are essential for testing the functionality and performance of products and services. By understanding the concepts and principles of APIs, Quality Assurance Testers can create more effective test cases and identify more bugs.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This course may be helpful for Project Managers who need to understand the technical aspects of APIs to effectively manage projects that involve API development or integration.
Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce Administrators manage and maintain Salesforce CRM systems. This course may be helpful for Salesforce Administrators who need to understand the technical aspects of APIs to effectively manage and customize Salesforce systems.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Discovering APIs.
Commonly used as a reference for RESTful web services. It contains many patterns that developers can use with REST APIs.
Provides a concise guide to designing and building web APIs. It good reference book for API designers and developers.
Provides a thorough overview of REST APIs and how to develop them using the Spring framework. It is useful as a reference for developers working with Spring.
Provides a hands-on guide to securing APIs. It is useful as a reference for developers and security professionals.
Provides a catalog of common API design patterns. It's a useful reference for API designers and developers looking for inspiration.
Takes a more theoretical approach to REST, focusing on the architectural and design principles behind it. It is helpful for a deeper understanding of how to build applications and services using a RESTful approach.

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