Rest API Connector

A REST API connector can be useful for accessing data that is not available through other connectors, particularly when the data is sensitive and cannot be fully shared.

To effectively integrate a REST API connector, it's crucial to provide detailed specifications that not only ensure secure and efficient data access but also facilitate ease of use for developers. Here's an enhanced and more detailed guide:

1. Endpoint Specification:

   • Clearly define the endpoint URL in a RESTful format. Ensure it supports GET requests for retrieving data.

   • Specify any versioning in the endpoint if applicable, to future-proof the API integration.

2. Authorisation Mechanism:

   • Implement robust authentication to keep the data secure. The API should not be accessible publicly without proper authentication.

   • Provide options for authentication:

     • API Key: If using API keys, detail how they should be passed (e.g., as query parameters or headers).

     • Authorisation Header: For methods like Bearer, Basic, or Token authentication, specify the exact format and any required prefixes (e.g., "Bearer ").

   • Include instructions for obtaining and renewing authentication credentials.

3. Query Parameters:

   • Clarify whether the API supports query parameters for filtering, sorting, or searching data. Provide examples of such parameters and their expected formats.

4. Pagination Support:

   • Detail the pagination mechanism to handle large volumes of data efficiently. Specify the parameters for paging (e.g., cursor) and how they should be used.

   • Explain how to navigate between pages (e.g., via response headers, embedded links in the response body).

5. Fetching Specific User Data:

   • If the API supports retrieving specific user data, explain how to pass the user ID as a query parameter, including the exact name of the parameter.

   • Provide example requests and responses to demonstrate this functionality.

6. Sample Response and Fields of Interest:

   • Offer a sample response in a flat JSON format to illustrate the structure of the data returned by the API.

   • Highlight key fields that consumers of the API might find particularly useful or important for their applications.

7. Error Handling:

   • Describe the error response format and provide examples of common error codes (e.g., 400, 401, 404, 500) with explanations for each.

   • Offer guidance on best practices for handling these errors programmatically.

8. Rate Limiting:

   • If applicable, explain any rate limits to prevent abuse and ensure the API's stability. Detail how these limits are enforced and how developers can query their current usage or limit status.

9. Versioning:

   • Clarify the API's versioning strategy and how developers can specify the version in their requests. This ensures that future updates do not break existing integrations.

By providing comprehensive documentation that covers these aspects, you ensure that our developers can integrate the REST API connector effectively and securely, with a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations.

Few Sample URLs:

https://sampleservice.com/api/v1/data?apikey={{apikey}}
https://sampleservice.com/api/v1/data?apikey={{apikey}}&cursor={{next_cursor}}
https://sampleservice.com/api/v1/data?apikey={{apikey}}&user_id={{userId}}