Hopefully this turns into a joint effort
EDIT: ADDED JSON SECTION
Been researching more, to be more self sufficient in creating my SAFE apps (relying less on hiring out tasks), and very base level of developing SAFE Apps starts with SAFE Network’s REST APIs, in my opinion. So I am beginning by creating this intro to it all. Here we go!:
API = Application Programming Interface
What is an API? It’s a bunch of easy tools & commands that developers have created to make it easy for your software to communicate with their software.
REST = Representational State Transfer
What is a REST API? It’s the most used type of API. Google’s, Twitter’s, Facebook’s & other groups APIs all are examples of REST APIs.
How does it work? Very much like a server-based website. Client requests the API, and information is sent back over the HTTP protocol.
Can I see a quick example? Sure! Instead of viewing YT’s regular FB page (at www.facebook.com/youtube), go to graph.facebook.com/youtube to create an API call to facebook’s servers. It will return a response, over http, in JSON format (more on that below). *May give an error if you aren’t properly logged in / authenticated, as common with APIs.
JSON = Javascript Object Notation
Super simple thing. It’s only these 2 things: { “key” : “value” } that’s it!!! Best way to send requests for data (or any kind of info), in a super streamlined, efficient format.
Used in APIs alot so you can ask for info easily, like a YouTube API request where you ask for a video key “url” and value : “yt.com/WTf5g”
Best part, it’s JAVASCRIPT (J.S.O.N. the JS = Javascript), so it works perfectly with it. Integrates perfectly. Great news for web apps, where JS is the primary language for all the programming.
Looks like the next step will be simple step-by-step tutorials in various languages, where we execute API commands to the SAFE Network.