Duration 2 days – 14 hrs
Overview
This course provides a foundational understanding of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which are essential building blocks in modern software systems. Participants will learn what APIs are, how they work, and how to use them to connect applications, services, and data. The course includes practical exercises using tools like Postman and introduces core concepts such as RESTful APIs, HTTP methods, status codes, and API documentation. Ideal for beginners, this training empowers attendees to confidently read, test, and use APIs for basic integration tasks and collaboration with technical teams.
Objectives
- Understand what an API is and how it enables system-to-system communication
- Identify different types of APIs (REST, SOAP, Webhooks)
- Recognize the structure of API requests and responses
- Use tools like Postman to test and explore APIs
- Interpret basic API documentation and endpoint structure
- Understand key API concepts like HTTP methods, status codes, and authentication
- Communicate effectively with developers and IT teams regarding API use and requirements
Audience
- Beginners and non-programmers interested in APIs
- Business analysts and project managers working with tech teams
- Quality assurance testers and tech support staff
- Product owners and operations professionals
- Anyone curious about modern web and system integrations
Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy
- Familiarity with web browsers and general internet concepts
- No programming experience required
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to APIs
- What is an API?
- Real-world analogies (e.g., restaurant menu, plug adapter)
- Why APIs are important in digital transformation
Module 2: API Types and Formats
- Public, private, and partner APIs
- REST vs. SOAP APIs
- Introduction to Webhooks and GraphQL
- Understanding JSON and XML data formats
Module 3: API Architecture Basics
- Anatomy of an API: endpoint, path, method, headers, body
- HTTP methods: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE
- Status codes and their meanings (e.g., 200, 404, 500)
Module 4: Exploring APIs with Postman
- Introduction to Postman interface
- Sending a GET request to a public API
- Using parameters and headers
- Inspecting API responses
- Making POST requests with data
Module 5: Reading API Documentation
- How to interpret Swagger/OpenAPI specifications
- Identifying base URL, endpoints, and sample payloads
- Testing from documentation (e.g., Swagger UI)
Module 6: Authentication and Security Basics
- API keys, tokens, and bearer authentication
- Common security considerations when using APIs
Module 7: Common Use Cases for APIs
- Connecting apps (e.g., Google Sheets to Slack)
- Automating data transfer and syncing
- APIs in mobile apps, ecommerce, and SaaS
Final Activity: Practice with a Public API
- Example APIs: OpenWeatherMap, JSONPlaceholder, PokeAPI
- Try GET and POST requests
- Share learnings in a wrap-up discussion
