An Introduction to APIs

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR GREATER BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL LEP REGISTERED BUSINESSES WHO HAVE ENROLLED ONTO THE BIG DATA CORRIDOR PROGRAMME. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET ENROLLED, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE FOR ACCESS TO FURTHER FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT AND MENTORING FROM THE BIG DATA CORRIDOR EXPERTS.

BCU will deliver a three hour workshop titled ‘An Introduction to APIs’.

Data, although great, isn’t enough on its own. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the guidelines that allow applications to talk to one another, making use of the available data. The use of APIs has been growing exponentially over the last decade to make data accessible, understood and shareable. For example, in the case of transport, APIs can be used for mapping transit routes and factoring in real-time data on desired destinations, estimated travel times, pricing, details of last-minute route alterations, traffic congestion and service cancellations.

An API is a set of programming instructions and standards for accessing a web-based software application or web tools. Software companies release their APIs to the public so that other software developers can design products that are powered by their services.

If you’re looking to learn about APIs for Open Data management, then this is the right course for you. In this workshop participants will learn all about APIs – what are they and how to get started using them. This is an introductory level course that will walk through what it takes for companies to link their systems together.

Learn how to take advantage of all the great APIs out there, starting with a focus on Open Data access APIs to help you power up your business quickly.

Agenda as follows:

14:00 Arrival and registration

14:10 Introductions around the room

14:20 What is an API? Why APIs are valuable for businesses working with Open Data

14:30 Foundational terminology and a mental business model

14:40 API protocols - A client server architecture

14:50 Data formats for APIs (with a focus on Open Data)

15:00 API Architectural Style

15:10 REST API Implementation in Java

15:30 Break for refreshments and networking

15:45 SOAP API Implementation in Java

16:00 APIs for the internet of things (IoT)

16:15 Turning IoT Data Into Revenue

16:30 Common challenges from API-IoT integration

16:45 Railpoint API Application – for Live, Interactive Travel Information Systems

17:00 Workshop concludes with recap, Q&A session and networking