Build Your Own Tools Using APIsBrian LaFrance Marketing Director – AuthorityLabsbrian.lafrance@authoritylabs.comTwitter - @blafrance

What is an API?

You’re Using APIs Every Day

• Smart phones• Web apps• In-car apps• Gaming consoles• Smart TVs

• SEO software• PPC management• Maps• Social apps• Analytics tools

What if I don’t write code?

Over 300 Supported Apps

• Brand monitoring• Automate social

media• Email list building• Customer support• Lead management

• Project management• Call tracking• Metrics dashboards• Team communication• Performance

monitoring

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.

ProgrammableWeb• Over 12,000 APIs listed in the

directory• Search and filter by categories &

formats• Some info is outdated – Read official

docs• Claim and maintain your API if you

have one• Looks at their lists of mashups for

ideas

Planning is EXTREMELY Important

• Figure out the end goal• What data is needed for

functionality?• Determine available resources• Programming language &

framework(s)• Data storage

Read & Understand the Docs

• Authentication• Data format• Rate limits• Available data• Expectations

Tools To Help Development• RequestBin• Runscope• New Relic• Datadog• Chrome Developer tools

APIs For Almost EverythingSignup

Kiss Metrics

Signup API

Activation

Intercom

Campaign

Monitor

WordPress

Flowdock

Billing

Data Mashups & Dashboards

Provide Fast & Reliable Data

Serving Your Users• Write thorough documentation• Provide sample code• Don’t break legacy code• Keep response times low & uptime high• Set request limits when necessary• Free usage/test platforms are important

Build Your Own Tools Using APIsBrian LaFrance Marketing Director – AuthorityLabsbrian.lafrance@authoritylabs.comTwitter - @blafrance