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Coursera

Introduction to APIs

via Coursera

Overview

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This course provides a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to APIs and includes clear explanations of what they are and how they function. It provides an overview of a wide variety of APIs and encourages you to think about how you can use simple calls to collect research data.

Syllabus

  • The Research Benefits of APIs
    • This module introduces the fundamentals of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and their role in accessing and exchanging data between systems. You will learn about the different types of APIs, how they function, and explore their value as powerful tools for collecting, accessing, and using data in academic research.
  • The Building Blocks of APIs
    • This module introduces the core components of API requests and responses, helping you understand how data is exchanged between applications over the internet. You will explore the structure of API calls, learn about common methods for requesting and retrieving data, and gain practical experience creating API requests and extracting information from API responses for research purposes.
  • Variety of APIs for Research
    • This module explores the wide range of APIs available for research and how they can be used to access different types of data across disciplines. You will learn how to identify suitable APIs for your research needs, evaluate the data they provide, explore opportunities for integrating API-derived data into research projects, and gain practical experience making API calls to retrieve information.
  • Your Next API Research Steps
    • This module focuses on preparing for API-based research by exploring how to identify and evaluate suitable APIs for your project. You will learn how to assess available API resources, consider the ethical implications of using API data, and develop a plan for integrating APIs into your research in a responsible and effective way.
  • Introduction to APIs Glossary and References
    • In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

Taught by

Sage Instructors

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