Overview
  • 12 May 2024
  • 4 Minutes to read
  • PDF

Overview

  • PDF

Article summary

API Configuration is the process of configuring the parameters and settings necessary for an Application Programming Interface (API) to operate properly. This include setting up data formats (such JSON or XML), defining authentication credentials, creating endpoint URLs, and configuring different API behavior choices. 

API Configuration can be enabled by GET, POST and PUT methods. 

GET method is used to retrieve or get information from a given server using the specified URL. 

POST method is used to send data to a server. It is also used for inserting new items to the backend server. 

PUT method is used to update an existing resource. 

Figure: API Configuration

 Let's explore the following use-case.
Use Case
User Persona: Application Designer
Solution
NovaTech is faced with a scenario where they need to get data from an outside server, send data to an outside server, or update an existing resource. To achieve this, Sam enables the API Configuration to interface with other applications and devices. The API Configuration is invoked successfully to intermediate between the system server and outside servers. 

Configure API 

Effective API configuration is crucial for smooth communication between different software systems, ensuring that data is exchanged accurately and securely. To configure API, perform the following steps. 

1. Navigate to Application Studio > Module > Designers > API Configuration.

2. Select the Domain and Sub Domain from the drop-down menu. The list of configured API is displayed based on Tenants. To learn more on how to manage the list page, navigate to Manage API Configuration

Figure: API Configuration List page 

3. Click New to add API Configuration. 

Figure: Add API Configuration

API Configuration Details

API configuration can be achieved by setting up the following fields. For more information, refer to the table below.

Figure: API Configuration Details. 

The API Configuration Details section displays the following fields that need to be defined. 

FieldDescription
API Config Name*Specify a unique and identifiable name for the API.  
API Group Name*Choose a group name from the drop-down menu to group similar API being configured. For example, Internal API, OKTA Active Directory, Others etc. 
Configured For / API Type*Select the type from the drop-down menu. Example: SMTP Gateway, Teams, Mailbox, Webhooks. 
Domain*Domain is the highest level of hierarchy. It is the main identity of a parent company with different subsidiaries. 
Sub Domain*A Sub Domain is the second level of hierarchy. It is chosen as a drop-down menu based on Domain selection. 
Department*Choose the Department from the drop-down menu. It is a unit in an organization that provides support to different functions. Example: IT, Facilities etc.  
ActiveActive Switch must be turned on while configuring a new API. 
IconChoose an icon to be uploaded for the specified API.
The maximum upload file size is 1MB
Image dimensions should not exceed 50px X 50px
Supported imag formats are .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .bmp.
The images will display as shown below while using the Call API functionality.

API Details

Figure: API Details page

The API Details section lists the following field that needs to be defined. For more informatin, refer to the table below. 

Field Description
API NameSpecify a unique name for the API. 
API Timeout (In seconds)Choose a numeral for specifying the timeout (In seconds)
API TypeChoose the API from the drop-down menu. For example, Internal or External. 
Response Type Specify the Response Type as Array or Object. 
MethodSpecify the method available to be configured for the API from the drop-down menu.  Example: Get, Post, Put 
URLSpecify a validated URL. 


Authentication


Authentication TypeChoose the predefined values from the drop-down list.
Example: No Authentication, API Key, Bearer Token, Basic, OAuth 2.0. 
URLEnter the URL details for the API. 
Authentication TypesNo Authentication

API Key - Specify the Key and Value

Bearer Token - Enter the Token details.

Basic - The User Name and Password is displayed.

OAuth 2.0 - Select the Grant Type as Password Credentials or Client Credentials.
Subsequently fill in the Grant Type, Token URL, Client ID, Client Secret, User Name and Password, Confirm Password and Scope.

Params


KeySpecify a name for the Key. 
Value TypeChoose the Value Type from the drop-down list.
Example: Static or API.
APIChoose the selected name for the API. 
API ElementSpecify the API Element from the drop-down list provided. 
ValueSelect the value field which gets enabled only when the Value Type is chosen as Static. 
DescriptionChoose a brief description about the parameter. 
Action Choose the Action button if the configurations need to be deleted.

Header


KeySpecify a name for the Key
Value Type Choose from the drop-down list to specify the Value Type.
Example: Static or API. 
APIChoose the selected name for the API. 
API ElementSpecify the API Element from the drop-down menu. 
ValueSpecify the value. This field gets enabled when the Value Type is set to Static. 
DescriptionGive a brief description of the Headers. 
Action Choose the Action button if the configurations need to be deleted. 

Body


Request Type Specify the format of the Body form the drop-down menu.
For example, Text, JSON, XML. 

Response


Description Specify the format of Response from the drop-down menu.
For example, Text or JSON. 
Add to List Choose the button to add the configured parameters to the list.

The last section Configured API displays the list of Configured API with the following details.

Figure: Configured API

FieldDescription
ActionChoose the icons for Actions related to the API. For example, Edit or Delete. 
API NameThe name specified while creating the API is displayed here. For example, Get User ID, Post Message, Create Calendar. 
API URLThe URL to update the action is specified here.  
API MethodThe API method that has been specified is displayed. For example, GET, POST, PUT etc.
Authentication NameThe Authentication name that has been specified is displayed. For example, OAuth.
Status The status is displayed as Active or Inactive.
The standard HTTP status codes are displayed to indicate whether the API request has been executed successfully or not. The following are the standard response codes:
  • Successful Responses (200-299)
  • Client Errors (400-499)
  • Server Errors (500 - 599)



Was this article helpful?

Changing your password will log you out immediately. Use the new password to log back in.
First name must have atleast 2 characters. Numbers and special characters are not allowed.
Last name must have atleast 1 characters. Numbers and special characters are not allowed.
Enter a valid email
Enter a valid password
Your profile has been successfully updated.