In this article, We are going to discuss different types of API in Salesforce with the all available APIs in Salesforce.
The Salesforce API platform contains many APIs that vary in the language and protocols they use, the transport methods available, and the authentication mechanisms used to secure them.
While there are many different types of API in salesforce available, we’ll take a look at all in particular.
These are RESTful APIs, SOAP APIs, Chatter APIs, and so on, Each has its own unique set of features, strengths, and characteristics.
An Application Programming Interface (API) that allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
What is an API?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of functions and procedures that allow two applications to communicate with each other.
One application makes a request for some information or action, and another application responds.
It might sound simple, but it’s important to understand that not all APIs are alike.
As we look at different types of API features in Salesforce, you can start to see how they differ from one another as well as understand how it all works together.
What are the APIs in Salesforce?
From a development standpoint, an API is nothing more than a set of rules and procedures to communicate with your data.
Without getting into all of its technical details, RESTful APIs use HTTP requests to access your data.
Chatter allows users to create data through integrations, but where it really shines is by offering a number of RESTful APIs that allow developers to access data from within Chatter.
These resources are valuable because they give developers freedom and control over how to handle Chatter data.
There are several different types of API in salesforce depending on what you want to accomplish, SOAP, Rest, OAuth, and Javascript-based are just a few of them.
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Why use API in Salesforce?
Depending on your role and needs, you may want to leverage just one type of API for simplicity’s sake.
Alternatively, you may need a little more complexity to suit your system’s needs or you might simply find one or two options more appealing than others.
APIs are a powerful way to further customize your use of Salesforce, They are a collection of programming instructions and tools that allow you to do amazing things in your org without writing code.
APIs let you build out custom apps, automate business processes and quickly access information in real-time all without having to write any code.
Best of all, there’s an API for almost everything: If something exists in your org, there’s likely an API for it.
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Different Types of API in Salesforce
These are the different types of API available in salesforce that you can use for your particular project work.
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1. REST API:
A Representational State Transfer (REST) Application Programming Interface (API) allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
This type of API uses HTTP requests, which means that it works with every programming language, web browser, and operating system all you need is an internet connection!
2. SOAP API:
A Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) Application Programming Interface (API) allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
The main difference between a RESTful API and a SOAP API is that SOAP APIs use XML instead of JSON for data exchange but they’re otherwise very similar.
3. Wave Analytics REST API:
The Wave Analytics REST API provides programmatic access to live streaming or historical data using standard HTTP requests and responses.
It can be used from any programming language, web browser, or operating system that supports HTTPS requests.
4. Chatter API:
The Chatter REST API provides programmatic access to all of your organization’s data, making it easy for developers and business users alike to add social features to their applications.
In addition, Chatter APIs provide developers with access to all of your company’s social media data and allow them to integrate that information into their own applications.
5. Canvas X-Pack APIs :
The Canvas X-Pack APIs allow you to build custom applications that have full control over canvas instances and widgets all without writing any code!
6. Tooling API:
The Tooling REST API provides programmatic access to manage various aspects of tooling workflows such as launching new toolings, updating existing toolings, and retrieving status information on existing toolings.
7. Streaming API:
The Streaming APIs are a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that provide low-latency streaming access to live and historical data from Wave Analytics, Real-Time Events, and Live Feeds.
There are currently four types of Streaming APIs that include Analytics, Live Feeds, Real-Time Events, and Snapshot respectively.
Streaming APIs allow developers to build applications that have real-time access to data. What kind of data can be accessed using Streaming APIs?
Streaming Events: Streaming Events provide real-time access to events generated by standard events, triggers, Apex code, and Visualforce pages or components.
9. Metadata API:
A Metadata API allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
A Metadata API allows you to retrieve metadata from any object that supports it including custom objects.
10. Bulk API:
A Bulk API allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
A bulk API allows you to create, update or delete multiple records at once, which can save a lot of time if you’re doing it frequently.
11. X-Pack ML API:
A Machine Learning API that allows you to programmatically access data within your Salesforce org, in a simple and secure manner.
The Machine Learning API can be used from any programming language, web browser, or operating system that supports HTTPS requests.
It provides an easy way for developers to build machine learning models using off-the-shelf tools like Weka and RapidMiner and then deploy them as Apex classes directly into their organization’s Salesforce org.
Conclusion
With multiple different kinds of APIs available, it can be difficult to determine which one to choose.
For example, if you are trying to communicate with customers and partners through an application or software and you plan on using a third-party tool for some support functions, a RESTful API might be for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to create a custom app that is connected directly to your CRM data, then a SOAP API may be more suitable.
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Meet Nitin, a seasoned professional in the field of data engineering. With a Post Graduation in Data Science and Analytics, Nitin is a key contributor to the healthcare sector, specializing in data analysis, machine learning, AI, blockchain, and various data-related tools and technologies. As the Co-founder and editor of analyticslearn.com, Nitin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the realm of analytics. Join us in exploring the exciting intersection of healthcare and data science with Nitin as your guide.
