APIs for Beginners - How to use an API (Full Course / Tutorial)

⚠️ Watch the UPDATED version of this course: • APIs for Beginners 202...
What is an API? Learn all about APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) in this full tutorial for beginners. You will learn what APIs do, why APIs exist, and the many benefits of APIs. APIs are used all the time in programming and web development so it is important to understand how to use them.
You will also get hands-on experience with a few popular web APIs. As long as you know the absolute basics of coding and the web, you'll have no problem following along.
🔗 Course Notes: github.com/craigsdennis/intro...
⭐️ Course Contents ⭐️
⭐️ Unit 1 - What is an API
⌨️ Video 1 - Welcome (0:00:00)
⌨️ Video 2 - Defining Interface (0:03:57)
⌨️ Video 3 - Defining API (0:07:51)
⌨️ Video 4 - Remote APIs (0:12:55)
⌨️ Video 5 - How the web works (0:17:04)
⌨️ Video 6 - RESTful API Constraint Scavenger Hunt (0:22:00)
⭐️ Unit 2 - Exploring APIs
⌨️ Video 1 - Exploring an API online (0:27:36)
⌨️ Video 2 - Using an API from the command line (0:44:30)
⌨️ Video 3 - Using Postman to explore APIs (0:53:56)
⌨️ Video 4 - Please please Mr. Postman (1:03:33)
⌨️ Video 5 - Using Helper Libraries (JavaScript) (1:14:41)
⌨️ Video 6 - Using Helper Libraries (Python) (1:24:40)
⭐️ Unit 3 - Using APIs
⌨️ Video 1 - Introducing the project (1:34:18)
⌨️ Video 2 - Flask app (1:36:07)
⌨️ Video 3 - Dealing with API Limits (1:50:00)
⌨️ Video 4 - JavaScript Single Page Application (1:54:27)
⌨️ Video 5 - Moar JavaScript and Recap (2:07:53)
⌨️ Video 6 - Review (2:18:03)
🎥 Course created by Craig Dennis, Developer Educator at Twilio
🐦 Craig on Twitter: @craigsdennis
Check out free Postman programs for students and educators to help you learn more about APIs: www.postman.com/company/stude...
Learn to code for free and get a developer job: www.freecodecamp.org
Read hundreds of articles on programming: medium.freecodecamp.org

[@freecodecamp]

⚠ Watch the UPDATED version of this course: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYnWdWOQnN2diNk

[@coding9089]

❤️

[@acow4618]

This guy's voice makes me feel like i'm being hugged. I can't remember if i've ever watched a more positive video.

[@7footmoustache]

🤗

[@gambarimas]

the same ! I subscribed just after 3 mins seen this video for the first time.

[@peterdrua7176]

True and true

[@tuyakulamusheko169]

Ikr

[@billytran3692]

Even a bob Ross video?

[@sivachandan7089]

Some people are born to teach. This guys rocks

[@ThunderAppeal]

Youre a sad little person.

[@ratatata6611]

@@ThunderAppeal tf?

[@Joey_CapcomFightingNetwork]

@@ThunderAppeal your negativity is worthless

[@ThunderAppeal]

@@Joey_CapcomFightingNetwork It is perfect Read More

[@Joey_CapcomFightingNetwork]

@@ThunderAppeal no way! Read More

[@ITCoordinator-ng1eo]

I am still at minute 17 in this course but I can't stop my self from going into the comments and stressing how extremely professional and well made with care and love this content is actually is. This way this material was produced and provided to us is super helpful and immersive. Thank you so much!

[@Megapastor]

I would go to school if Every Teacher was as FUN as this Guy. BEST TEACHER I ever came across! Any1 that dislikes this free video should be locked up!

[@abhishekshah11]

Why can't every coding tutorial be like this? It was so fun and entertaining to watch those little animations.

[@charlesbaldo]

Abhishek shah I found them annoying

[@Nothingtosee55]

Yeah really great course

[@ceciliaspears161]

AMEN!!!

[@shawnjames3242]

@4th4rv alt yes i do you got a problem?

[@somerandomguy1487]

@4th4rv alt Quiet kids!! the dogs are barking and I am trying to concentrate!!!!

[@BiffBifford]

One hour into this video, and I have learned more about how to use APIs and Postman than I have with tons of other videos -- COMBINED! I can't see how video instruction can get better than this. All the money I have spent to learn this and actually understand it, and this video instructor provides the most precise explanation I have seen to date! EXCELLENT WORK!

[@adrianwalker9917]

I have not found that to be the case. It's good, there's no doubt about that, but it's certainly not the best I've seen. Some things are not really well explained for beginners (the target audience).

[@douaibblouzi6603]

@@adrianwalker9917 how about you elaborate about what other sources are better rather then just criticizing ?

[@alexlinkinpark23]

@@douaibblouzi6603 he just said he did not understand it, me neither, I think it was the issues with the applications such as twilio or postman, where the programs are different now than they were 2 years ago. in my case I just watched the course, maybe I should just watch it slower. but in rest this really is a well explained tutorial, in any case better than they are trying to teach in college where you have to pay money for that kind of course, so hats off to this channel.

[@kerrydaniels8460]

@@alexlinkinpark23 Not trying to enter a dog in the fight, but I found this pretty straight forward even with the apps. I recommend to actually take breaks here and there like instructed and yes indeed slow down to your speed. It breaks it down to a very beginner friendly level provided you understand things like what dictionaries, lists, JSON, etc. are and understand extreme basics networking and what a protocol is. When it comes down to it API's (RESTful) are just ways to utilize resources from someone else's server in this case. You already do something similar whenever you got to this site for example. You just accessed a webpage. You can just get more specific with your request by simply visiting the API pages and adjusting based off the documentation if necessary. The apps he used are pretty similar especially the Spotify site and postman. Postman actually makes it even easier to use and understand than it was in his video. Just remember the API calls when done manually just include a protocol, an API Call or request (like GET, POST, PUT, etc) url, what you are trying to access, and credentials to do so. That's basically the just of it in this video. The rest is just making it even easier by being able to use SDK's to make the syntax even easier for workflow in your chosen language. If you didn't get a section of the video especially in the video just slow it down instead of rushing through. Definitely a great job imo.

[@emanmohsen3493]

agree with you

[@Omar-vz9el]

You guys make learning fun! The fact that you went over APIs in a broad sense and not just web-based really nailed home what an API really is. Wow!

[@Itachi-lz7kv]

This is easily the best course in this section. Hats of to this guy. Didnt feel like boring bombarment of information. Enjoyed every moment of it.

[@austinedeclan10]

This is starting to make sense. An API is like a toaster. I don't have to build one every time I need toast

[@cedricvillani8502]

now you tell me!! :((

[@faresalouf]

@@cedricvillani8502 cedric villani ??? lol

[@MichaelColart]

As the father of the Razer Toaster, I agree

[@demotest2676]

There is so much thought process and hard work put in by the content creators! We need this kind of content more so that students feel more confident learning newer things! I have become a huge fan of the channel...hats off to you guys! Keep doing this great work!

[@iovewhalien2191]

I attended my first hackathon this weekend and everyone kept mentioning APIs and I was so confused. As a CS major no one has ever really taught me what they are or how to use them so it’s embarrassing to ask my peers of professors for help when everyone else knows what they are. I’m glad I came across this video, I want to learn more about APIs so I can utilize them whenever I attend my next hackathon. So far this video has been super helpful, thank you for putting in so much effort into this!

[@craigdennis1154]

Thanks for the feedback! Make sure to check out the latest version! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYnWdWOQnN2diNk

[@manasnagelia]

Man, this is the best API tutorial I've ever seen. I've watched many, many API tutorial, and nothing makes sense, and smashes a bunch of information in 5 minutes. This takes it slowly, and teaches API's in a gradual manner. Awesome tutorial! Bravo!

[@RobstaHendricks]

Such an approachable manner of teaching Craig, thank you. Even as a refresher for me, I just felt compelled to keep listening through... Am sure this has been extremely useful for introducing newcomers into coding no end!

[@kurtd0naldc0bain]

One of the best courses I've ever watched. Very informative and well structured, but also entertaining! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@arielramos8959]

I love how the course always remind me to take a break, such a wonderful teacher 😊

[@ismailfathi8030]

What an amaaaaazing instructor Ive never seen such a great energy in a teacher ever thank you so much for teaching us what APIs are and how they work!!!

[@nidhisinha]

wow, i just found a gem. it took me first couple of minutes to adjust to Craig's tempo but then woohoo - i was on a joyride. Humorous, simple, and informative just like how a tutorial should be.

[@chriswalters8528]

Possibly the best video course fCC has to offer: the presenter is articulate, the writing is thorough, the jokes are amusing w/o being self indulgent, and the frequent breaks are phenomenal.

[@sebbe2506]

Amazing! I've always 'kind of' got how APIs worked, but now I got the whole picture. Thanks!

[@steveisrome1719]

Whoever wrote the layout fo this coarse is a teaching genius. I wish I could express how perfect this guy/team is able to properly blend complexity with bite sized, meaningful information. Where do I buy whatever you are selling cause this kind of video/playlist deserves every dollar it gets

[@aparna1498]

i adore the way this course is delivered, this goes to show how complex topics can be had fun with and also consumed in a healthy way. Awesome job !

[@kijijismith1160]

Amazing how one of the best asynchronous and promise definitions are in this video about APIs, you are truly gifted at explaining concepts, thanks!

[@borja4015]

I haven't finished yet, but wonderful explanations and great examples so far. With teachers like this learning is a joy

[@jamilxt]

That's how course should be made. The important thing is: we don't know when to take a break. We always learning and learning something new. But, taking a break from learning will help us more into thinking and processing the knowledge we've gained already. That's how it will remain long in your brain to use later. Instructor should think this what type of knowledge is perfect to deliver to the users depending on the user's level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). I liked the style of this course. The way instructor is describing, the way the animator portraying, the way they are recommending us to take a break. It's great. Thank you so much for providing us such a precious and great courses without any cost. Thank you so much.

[@hollyperret]

I'm an instructional designer and it is refreshing to see someone training a subject on yourtube the way training should be done.

[@bso516]

I appreciate the breaks, the frequent switching from lecturing to practicing and the step-by-step progression. Thanks a lot

[@the_rhizome]

This is the best course I've ever watched in my life. The concepts are so clearly explained.

[@mistiemill3262]

i second that. he really is a great teacher!!

[@mathbytv4858]

I agree. He’s excellent!

[@jkuhede]

Thank you this comment alone made me stick through till the end of the video ! It was a great course ...

[@ndz7372]

Word..so clear and concise

[@TheJFMR]

He is so aligned with the present moment when he is explaining or when he is coding as Eckhart Tolle would say. One of the best courses I've watched.

[@krishshah3974]

ikr

[@gueyenono]

Fantastic course. Besides being a course on using APIs, it was also for me a course on effective teaching. On a side note, I am watching this in December 2021 and boy has Postman significantly changed!

[@antio1753]

Craig if you see this, PLEASE start a youtube channel and teach people with your unique style!! You are born for this man... Well done, thanks for the detailed explanations

[@thebenfiquista]

Writing a comment for the KZbin algorithm. Absolutely amazing how you make everything look so accessible.

[@poojapingale5922]

This is indeed one of the best tutorial videos I ever saw on KZbin. You made it very easy and fun to learn. Thanks a lot!

[@ShahramShahdadi]

The best REST introductory video I have seen so far . Thanx.

[@dragonjarl]

Really good and clear tutorial. Well paced and explained. Just a note to a few people: when you get to the Twilio section, if your mobile number is based outside the US&Canada, the Twilio API will shift the MediaURL value into the BODY as plain text. It still gets sent by the API and received by the mobile device but is received as a link on the mobile device. Therefore the next stage when you try to GET the gif you have just sent will not work. Took me ages to work this out! *** It would be really useful to add a flag / annotation to the video at this point so people outside North America do not think they have made a mistake and lose time / give up ***

[@LewisCowles]

We need a web-awards show for people like Craig. He does a fair amount to further education and watching not great materials it's easy to see that he makes his craft and talent seem effortless and natural (maybe it is). Well done Craig.

[@cternove]

This guy is an awesome teacher. At first I was like this seems like a children’s lesson then I realized this is actually on of the best learning videos I’ve listened to. He makes the content so easy to understand.

[@erectlocution]

Here I am, employed as a developer, watching a video that purports to be for beginners, and it's a great video so far. One of the things I love about approaches like this is that, especially for developers like me who just picked up some crap over time and am doing stuff with it, there are lots of fundamentals that slip through those autodidactic cracks. For instance, I _know_ what "statelessness" means generally, but then at around 23:30 Craig explains not only clearly but completely enough for the context--with no extraneous details. Nice work.

[@andrewgallucci3737]

I went looking for a comment like this! Agree completely. I am not a dev but have picked up a lot and do coding here and there. There are tons of fundamentals that I generally get the gist of but aren't fully understood. Its hard finding content that isn't, 'this is a keyboard, you use it to type things' or, hey we assume you went to 4 years of comp science and I won't explain anything. This has been a really really good video.

[@georgejetson9801]

Same. I know how to work with things but not actually explain it in detail. It's like driving a car. I know how very well but explaining it in detail not so easy.

[@poulomiadhikary4816]

This is amazing stuff and the speaker presents it so well. Very clear explanation and lot of examples used. This is like real cool learning.

[@siddhikabra1579]

This is literally the BEST course I have ever watched on KZbin. Absolutely perfect. perfect. perfect!!!!

[@gonzalofernandotorresdelfi561]

Craig Is an amazing teacher I follow this guy from treehouse, and there he was a blast!!

[@prashanthss]

Hello Craig, Thanks for making this video. I spent 4 hours literally practicing along with the video. Now I know a little more in the world of programming. Lot to learn. Thanks again

[@BluePolicePhoneBox]

I recommend imagining that Craig's mum has not been with us for the past 30 years, and now you are just watching an IT guy's descent into insanity. Really changes the feel of the video. Really helpful course, btw!

[@ExecuteDemocracy]

This was truly a whirlwind introduction to API's. I believe it was a little more harder for me as I haven't started to learn JAVA yet (still learning Python). But none less, this is an extremely well done course. Thank you Craig for your work and I will now take another rest as I've reached the end to unscramble my brain.

[@megablademe4930]

Learn a real language. C or C++, not slow ass Python.

[@among01]

Fantastic intro tutorial. One of the most engaging facilitators I've encountered in some time. Thank you for this!

[@alphabetsalphabets5242]

He just taught me how to use documentation in minutes! Something that I've been struggling for a long, long time.

[@halefspencer2725]

Man Craig is such an amazing teacher, been learning with hime since his days on teamtreehouse. Love it!

[@hamzakhalid9381]

Talk about soothing, was just browsing for a brief intro, ended up watching the whole video....really good job man !!

[@morphine496]

This video is a must for every dev out there!

[@parisi6672]

This is the first tutorial that I’m watching which doesn’t make me bored 😂 His approach is brilliant, keeps it entertaining whilst learning!

[@frankd.3035]

Feeling good, sitting here the whole time, watching, learning, enjoying the show. Brilliant.

[@timurmukhtarov1319]

Such a great class and learned so much! Will def re-watch at some point too!

[@abrahimovic1]

I seriously enjoy your teaching method and I am just 10 minutes into this lesson...Awesome

[@pbeau49]

Awesome course , thank you. You just made my job a lot easier!

[@ceciliaspears161]

Fantastic training video! It has every element for me to learn efficiently! Hands on is definitely my greatest tool in learning! Thanks for such a fantastic video!

[@stylishsannigrahi]

I am an Oracle database application developer and trying to learn web technologies . Absolutely splendid work . Conveyed complex technical terms in a perfectly paced and detailed to basic manner

[@jerrytang9744]

5 minutes into the video and I am already learning a lot. Thank you so much for such a great introduction to APIs!

[@shashisonu9]

wow...such a well laid out course......really grateful for the effort put in to make this course....

[@jadedllamas]

I needed to learn enough about APIs to be able to ask questions of people who are actual experts. This is everything I could have asked for. Thank you!

[@ignaciomarin6927]

Thank you for putting all this knowledge together in such a neat and clear way and offering it to us for free. Probably one of the best video tutorials I have ever come across

[@CheerUp2]

This was super helpful. I work as a graphic designer/illustrator for a tech company and I constantly have to design stuff for things dealing with API and every time I look at the brief I have no idea what I’m reading because I didn’t fully grasp what an API was or all the lingo they use. This is helpful for the creatives who don’t do well with all the technical stuff.

[@Nathanael_R]

This tutorial is so beautiful, felt like we were having a warm one on one conversation

[@Seven-ce6yw]

This is so good. I think I'm addicted. This could be a tv series or a streaming show. Very entertaining and educational.

[@sarupk]

44:11 quick break guys. AWESOME course, thanks a lot!

[@malandro2023]

I love when someone is full of knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing it; this video is so great!

[@muntazkaleem7977]

Man this dude's course is unbelievable. I've been in the software game for a long time. Seen a bunch of different course. This one hits!!

[@gian858]

Hands down the best coding teacher and lesson I've ever watched.

[@sadmansam6533]

it's been 12 mins and already this weeks favorite video of mine.

[@zacharychandler8399]

I'm enjoying your tutorial a lot, but a side note: I think its recommended to invoke pip as python -m pip because it is more portable. Having recently had issues due to Windows10 and trying, naively, to just invoke pip on its own I thought it would be worth mentioning, especially since this is aimed at beginners who might struggle with issues like that. Cheers!

[@StefanoGasperini]

I don't usually comment, but man, this is SO good. The structure of the content, the graphics, the way he teaches, everything is great.

[@webdevcastro]

Thank you so much for this free & valuable content, man! Not to mention how fun and entertaining you make the entire process! Not even 1 hour in yet and you got me cracking up with your bits 😂 instant fan! Subbed!

[@kusalthiwanka8630]

241 dislikes are people that offer paid courses for API.

[@gonzalofernandotorresdelfi561]

WOW that looks unfair don´t you think?, anyway here we are, but to be honest 7 of 1300++ (counting) it is not a big deal, but thx for the data !:)

[@adriancontee4331]

Gonzalo Fernando Torres del Fierro r/whoooosh

[@radar536]

I was thinking the same...

[@kusalthiwanka8630]

now 16 peoples. not 5. : - }

[@tianhaowang5012]

hahaha detective Kusal

[@SimonSirumba]

i wish coding was taught like this in every videos you guys have, it was so amazing and easy to understand!! my goodness thank youu!!!

[@dorischoo]

I like Craig’s sense of humor. Make learning interesting.

[@carlov5447]

Extremely detailed and easy explanations!!

[@seinsfrage]

Best APIs for beginners course (free or paid) I've come across --- hands down. I'll be recommending it to my students. Kudos!

[@Norogoth]

You have just stumbled upon the greatest tutorial in the entire world. You, viewer, are very fortunate.

[@HowardWimshurst]

What did i do to earn such a gift

[@somewhereatvinland]

Man I'm subscribed to your channel! So cool to find you here as well.

[@rohanaggarwal8718]

@@somewhereatvinland same!

[@rohanaggarwal8718]

Howard is that you??

[@gordonbarnfield2495]

Maybe empathy¿

[@TheTechchan]

@@rohanaggarwal8718 ROHAN is that YOU?

[@p-a5603]

One of the best and most understandable course I have ever watched. And I watched them a lot :) It is quite great to work with API which has nice helper library so you can use the calls by this very simplified way. But in reality, if you work in some own project with own API, which has no helper library created and maybe not even any proper documentation haha (actually most standard situation and not fun) and you want to build let's say some good automated tests, you need to develop your own "helper library" from scratch. And that's much more fun! (actually it is not again).

[@swetadwivedi1002]

This has got to be one of the most beneficial and meaningful tutorial, I've come across on KZbin

[@heatherroney5320]

This was super helpful! I'm using an API for my first coding project for my lab...not my area of expertise. We're importing data from a raspberry pi into a google drive so we can track drought, and this seemed like the easiest way to do that!

[@raimahossain2174]

Does he teach online or have his own courses/teaching platform? What an incredible educator! Explains concepts, techniques and functionalities thoroughly and in relative depth. I rarely have to rewind, even at 1.25 speed. AMAZING!

[@antontarasov3211]

This is by far the best tutorial that I've seen in my entire life.

[@jordanmowry9164]

Dude, this is exactly what I needed to learn this confusing topic. Thank you for the amazing content. You are a godsend.

[@gabrielanaumnik472]

The best course I've watched in a while - thank you for putting so much hard work into it!

[@parastimilsina7645]

I never thought learning api's would be so fun. I would like to learn more from this guy!

[@vanstoneonline1136]

This is a super amazing tutorial! Fun, engaging and educational. Thank you so much!!!

[@raoof19]

professional video the quality is excellent, explication excellent, body language of instructor excellent, he kill the boredom of self learning , really it must be a good idol for teachers on youtube

[@PaulNicholsonTraining]

This was awesome so clear and in a great pace. Makes me really look at how I need to deliver training too. Great job.

[@mehmethanyagci4386]

He is not only a great developer but also great educator. He knows how to teach in an engaging and fun way.

[@sagaragrawal5809]

What a wonderful learning experience. How subjects should be taught. Thank you Craig for being such an awesome teacher.

[@7footmoustache]

Thank you for being an awesome student Sagar!

[@myrthevdreek2843]

This was an incredible video. Learned loads, many tools to use etc. Particularly loved the 'break' sections. After the third one I was like "Okay fine, I'll take a break". Thank you so much Craig!

[@7footmoustache]

Thank you for taking a break! (And for the feedback!)

[@sidhu704]

How am I only finding this now?! Can all tutorials/courses be like this please ! The format and delivery is just way too good, doesn't make me wanna fall asleep hahah

[@freecodecamp]

Get the notes and code for this course here: github.com/craigsdennis/intro-to-apis-course/blob/master/course-notes.md

[@oswwwaldotc]

＼(◎o◎)／

[@akashkumarsingh1956]

Can this help me learn how to use API for Android Projects? Are there any other courses for that?

[@alirezafarsani3727]

"iOS Media Player API documentation" link doesn't work correctly, and mistakenly opens above "Android MediaPlayer API documentation."

[@souravroy909]

Plz use a light background while recording

[@pravatyadav3623]

His voice is full of energy and gives away good vibes....

[@ablobos4118]

this guy makes learning entertaining. mission accomplished

[@joelstolarski2244]

This is the first time I watched a tutorial on programming. Took a Basic course years ago and unix. Was lost. Trying again. I thought I knew what an API is, but now, so much more. This is amazing. On the down side, now I understand a little of how the spammer calls work. Don't know how they spoof so many different phone numbers,and local to me numbers... but I'll figure it out.

[@teresalmeida]

I cannot thank you enough for this. Starting my intership after engineering college as a developer and they wanted me to develop some APIs and this was a LIFE SAVER!!! The spotify example was PERFECT!

[@SmittyInparadis]

What did you develop?

[@amitlashover1699]

Terrific writing, delivery, and production! Even if I didn't find the subject interesting, I'm sure I'd still be invested in the course! Craig, you were brilliant!

[@7footmoustache]

Thanks Amit!

[@komalthecoolk]

At first i thought to myself if I really wanted to watch a 2 hour introduction video about APIs but now I'm very grateful for this amazing video.

[@thecardtrickstudent3870]

which video to watch after this

[@jeffdesouza6667]

Watching an instructional video taught by a teacher (instead of a developer-with-little-to-no-training-in-education) is such a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this!