Hello Magento Friends,
Magento users might have heard about Magento 2 API. But what it is, what are its uses, how it works? We have got you covered all. In this tutorial I will explain, Everything You Need to Know About Magento 2 API.
What is Magento 2 API?
Magento API is a framework that allows developers and integrators a mechanism to make use of web services that interact pretty well with the Magento system. The main features of Magento 2 API include:
- REST (Representational State Transfer) and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) are supported by Magento 2.
- Supports 3 types of authentication:
- Administrators and customers are validated via login credentials.
- Mobile applications are validated via tokens.
- Third-party applications are validated via OAuth 1.0a.
- Each and every accounts and integration are assigned resources that they are able to access. The API framework checks whether the call has access to the request.
- You can configure any Magento or third-party applications as a web API using few lines of XML code in the webapi.xml configuration file. If the service is not defined, it will not be displayed.
- The framework is based on the CRUD model that stands for Create, Read, Update and Delete.
- The API framework supports field filtering responses in order to conserve mobile bandwidth.
- The single web API call can run multiple services at once with the help of Integration-style web APIs.
What is the use of Magento 2 Web APIs?
Magento 2 API can be used to perform various tasks.
- Allows creating a shopping app. This can be downloaded on a mobile phone. The application can also be used by employees in a showroom to simplify customer’s purchases.
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) backend system integration like Salesforce or Xero.
- CMS (Content Management System) integration although content tagging is not yet supported.
- Create JavaScript Widgets on the Magento Admin Panel or store frontend. To access services, widgets make AJAX calls.
How to get started with Magento 2 Web API?
To get started with Magento 2 Web API, firstly you need to register a web service on Magento Admin. Now, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Create a Web Services User
From Magento admin go to System > Permission > All Users > Add New User to create a web services user. In case you are using session-based or OAuth authentication, you need not create a new web services user.
Step 2: Create a new Integration
From Magento Admin go to System > Extensions > Integration > Add New Integration** to create an integration. Make sure you restrict the access of resources for the integration.
Step 3: Configure Authentication
Make use of REST or SOAP for configuring the authentication.
Checkout MageComp’s Extensions that support GraphQL API.
Conclusion:
Hence, this was all about the Magento 2 API, what it is, its uses, and how you can get started with it. In case you have any more questions regarding this, comment down below. Share the article with your friends and stay updated!
Happy Reading!