API

In depth

APIs expose specific capabilities of a service through endpoints. Each endpoint accepts certain inputs, such as query parameters or a request body, and returns a predictable output with a status code. Common formats include JSON and XML.

For secure data access, you authenticate with the service’s API, usually with an OAuth token, API Key, or signed request. Most services set rate limits, and expect clients to handle pagination, retries, and errors.

Here are a few API types:

• REST: Uses HTTP actions like GET and POST with resource‑based URLs.
• GraphQL: Lets you specify the exact shape of the data you want in a single query.
• Webhooks: Outgoing HTTP callbacks from a service to your URL when an event occurs.

Pro tip

Don’t assume every API response is perfect. Check that the data you get is valid, handle cases where fields are missing, and add a short delay before retrying if you hit errors like “Too Many Requests.”

Why APIs matters

APIs connect the tools you use every day. Instead of exporting spreadsheets and copying values, you can pull fresh data directly from sources like Shopify, Stripe, HubSpot, or a data warehouse. This reduces manual work, speeds up analysis, and helps ensure access to fresh, up-to-date data.

APIs - In practice

Here are some practical ways you can use APIs in your metrics stack:

• Automatically import business data. Scheduled data retrieval from source systems for orders, subscriptions, traffic, or support tickets.
• Unify scattered systems. Use specific queries to bring together data from disparate billing, product, and marketing sources to provide a holistic view of your customers.
• Add missing context. Enrich records with attributes from a CRM or data enrichment service.
• React to events. Use webhooks to trigger a refresh or write a new data point when a purchase or signup occurs.

APIs and PowerMetrics

PowerMetrics enables you to connect to and retrieve data from hundreds of services. With PowerMetrics, you can:

• Retrieve data from services using our built‑in connectors. Bring in data from hundreds of popular services without writing code.
• Use the REST connector for public APIs. Connect to and retrieve data from services that use the REST protocol.
• Retrieve data stored in warehouses. Query databases and cloud warehouses, then model and visualize data, and store metric history, in PowerMetrics.