About the course
This intensive, one-day workshop is specifically tailored for Database Administrators, Data Analysts, and BI Specialists who need to expand their data sources beyond traditional relational databases. We treat the API as a "web table," providing a clear methodology for translating your existing expertise in SQL and data structure into the language of HTTP and JSON.
You will gain hands-on experience using professional API client tools (like Postman), mastering the essential HTTP verbs (GET, POST), and learning practical techniques for flattening nested JSON data into a format suitable for loading or analysis. This workshop provides the crucial foundational skills needed to access the explosion of data available from cloud, SaaS, and microservices platforms.
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- Map Concepts: Clearly translate core SQL elements (SELECT, WHERE, UPDATE) into their corresponding API structures (GET, Query Parameters, POST/PUT).
- Execute Requests: Confidently construct and execute the four primary HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) against API resources.
- Process JSON Data: Understand the JSON data format, handle nesting and arrays, and extract required properties using basic parsing techniques.
- Implement Authentication: Understand and securely use API Keys and Tokens to access protected data endpoints.
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This course is ideal for Database Administrators (DBAs), Data Analysts, BI Specialists, and ETL Developers - anyone who is has good experience with data structure and querying but has little to no prior exposure to accessing data via web APIs.
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Attendees should have a strong working knowledge of SQL and be comfortable with core data manipulation, joining, and filtering concepts. No prior coding or API experience is required.
We can customise the training to match your team's experience and needs - with more time and coverage of fundamentals for new starters, for instance.
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This API training course is available for private / custom delivery for your team - as an in-house face-to-face workshop at your location of choice, or as online instructor-led training via MS Teams (or your own preferred platform).
Get in touch to find out how we can deliver tailored training which focuses on your project requirements and learning goals.
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Fundamental Concepts: SQL and HTTP APIs
Why APIs? Understanding Microservices, SaaS platforms, and the modern data landscape.
The fundamental difference between Database Access (direct connection) and API Access (request/response).
The Data Translator: Mapping SQL concepts (SELECT, TABLE, FIELD) to API concepts (GET, RESOURCE, PROPERTY).
Conceptual comparison and mapping of SQL queries to API calls.
Anatomy of a REST API Request
Mastering essential HTTP Methods: GET for reading, POST for creating.
Resource URLs: Defining the data you are querying.
Using URL Query Parameters for filtering and sorting (the API equivalent of WHERE and ORDER BY).
Headers: Understanding the metadata required for authentication and content type.
Hands-on Lab: Setting up an API client and executing simple GET requests.
Understanding and Processing JSON
JSON vs. Relational Data: Understanding JavaScript Object Notation.
Dealing with Nesting and Arrays: Handling nested objects (the join challenge in API data).
Introduction to basic tools and techniques for inspecting, flattening, and extracting required data points from JSON.
Hands-on Lab: Analysing complex JSON payloads and targeting specific fields.
Authentication and Security
Proving Identity: authentication for every API call.
API Keys: The simplest authentication mechanism.
Tokens: Understanding the role of Bearer Tokens and the concept of OAuth 2.0.
Best practices for securing and managing API credentials in production.
Hands-on Lab: Authenticating using an API key and testing a secure endpoint.
Advanced Requests and Debugging
Creating/Updating Data: Using the POST and PUT methods to send data to an API (the API equivalent of INSERT and UPDATE).
The Response: Interpreting HTTP Status Codes for debugging.
Integration Next Steps: A brief overview of how to implement API calls using simple Python or native database HTTP connectors.
Comprehensive Lab: Executing a multi-step workflow: Authenticate, POST a new record, and then GET the created record.
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