Build an API in 3 Simple Steps

Why build an API?

Building a read-only API is ideal for securely sharing data without allowing modifications. It simplifies data management, especially when using CSV files, and is perfect for simple applications or MVPs. With minimal setup, you can create endpoints and manage data updates easily, ensuring security and ease of access.

How to build an API in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1 - Upload data.

Upload your data as a CSV file. This will generate an export url like the example below.

https://api.csvgetter.com/abcd1234

You can perform this action here.

Step 2 - Format output

Make sure your output is JSON. This can be done with a URL parameter.

Or this can be done in your URL settings.

Step 3 - Create endpoints

Use different SQL parameters to create different endpoints. Here are some examples.

// Returns all of your data
https://api.csvgetter.com/abcd1234?type=json_records&sql=select * from csvgetter

// Returns the top 5 rows of your Airtable data
https://api.csvgetter.com/abcd1234?type=json_records&sql=select * from csvgetter limit 5

// Returns the number of rows in your Airtable data
https://api.csvgetter.com/abcd1234?type=json_records&?sql=select count(*) from csvgetter

//... Or any SELECT SQL statement you need.

Benefits

• You can update the API data at any time. With a CSV Getter account you can manage your uploaded CSV files and overwrite them with the latest data.

• Inline SQL means one URL can serve as any endpoint, just change the URL parameters.

• You can set an Authentication header for the URL, to add security to your API.

• No need to setup a database, or bucket with a cloud provider.

• Great for simple apps and MVPs.

Limitations

• API will be read-only