How to create an API without coding
Contrary to popular belief it is possible to create an API without coding. As with all technical endeavours, there are always multiple ways to skin a cat. In my case, I have used some of the best industry standard tools to help me create a RESTful API for public consumption.
My tech stack includes:-
For each step, you will find a tutorial. If you run into some difficulties or blockers I would highly recommend hiring an API Developer via Upwork as they will be able to provide you with the support and guidance you need. I would personally recommend the following developers:-
STEP 1: Zoho Creator
Use Zoho creator to create a bespoke application with a form. This form will provide you with an easy way to gather your data in a structured manner. Zoho creator is incredibly easy to use, with drag and drop functionality and what I loved in particular about using Zoho creator is that I could add rich text form fields and file upload form fields allowing me to add images and stylised text.
Create a form - Tutorial
Add data to your form
Export your data in JSON format - Tutorial
STEP 2: MongoDB
Using MongoDB removes the complex object-relational mapping (ORM) layer that translates objects in code to relational tables. MongoDB's flexible data model also means that your database schema can evolve with business requirements, therefore MongoDB is an ideal database for any new projects which require flexibility to grow and change in future.
Install MongoDB - Tutorial
Create a database with MongoDB - Tutorial
STEP 3: mLabs
mLab is the largest cloud MongoDB service in the world, hosting over a half million deployments on AWS, Azure, and Google. On top of allowing you to host your MongoDB database in the cloud, mLabs comes with plugins allowing you to backup your database and user-friendly interface, which will allow you to view all your databases in a dashboard and add JSON data to your database.
Connect MongoDB to mLabs - Tutorial
Add data to MongoDB via mLabs - Tutorial
Step 4: Dream Factory
When it comes to your REST API strategy for mobile and web application integration, you now have a choice. You can continue trying to build and manage your own APIs (with all of the associated problems) or you can use a free, open-source backend that provides a comprehensive palette of secure, scalable, customizable RESTful services for any data source in minutes. Here are just a few advancements that DreamFactory has made to developing APIs:-
- Engine rewrite for maximum performance at high transaction volumes
- Adopted JSON Web Token (JWT) for completely stateless operation at scale
- Architectural improvements for "Platform as a Service" and Docker Containers
- Comprehensive integration with Active Directory, LDAP, and OAuth
- Highly-flexible role-based security at the user-app level
- Custom API creation capabilities with support for API interface editing
- API customization with multiple server-side scripting languages, including V8 JavaScript, Node.js, and PHP
- Includes MongoDB for instant integration with the leading NoSQL database
- Modular, lightweight installation so you can deploy only the packages you need
- All-new example apps for AngularJS, JavaScript, Titanium, iOS, and Android
- Security enhancements
Build a MongoDB API with DreamFactory - Tutorial
Download API Documentation
Step 5: Apigee
Apigee is today's leading provider of API technology and services for developers and enterprises that help businesses use APIs to securely share data and services across myriad devices and channels. Apigee delivers an intelligent API platform to accelerate the pace of digital business.
Add API Documentation to Apigee Specs
FULL API LIFECYCLE - Tutorial
- Create an API Proxy
- Manage API
- Secure API
- Publish API
- Analyse API
Thank you for reading this article. I would be most grateful if any of those who have created an API with this Methodology could please add a comment below with details of their API.
Francesca Tabor - ftaborconsulting@gmail.com