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Ganttic API : Beginner’s Guide to API

The integration of Ganttic’s resource planning software with API will bring about a number of benefits for our users. Plus, it will open up endless possibilities for how you can use Ganttic in conjunction with in-house software or third-party software.

This beginner’s guide will go over the basics of API, and explain how you can get started with Ganttic’s API right now.

Ganttic API Update

Ganttic has some big news! The resource management software you use and love is about to get a whole lot better. How? Well, through the implementation of our REST-style API, that’s how. If that sounds like IT jargon and you have no clue what that means or why it matters, don’t fret.

API isn’t just the latest technological buzzword, it’s an important step in software development. In the globally connected business world, API is becoming a prerequisite for programs. This is because it’s a convenient way to deal with and organize information that’s often strewn across multiple platforms. Plus, it helps simplify your project portfolio management and cut off the more tedious, time-consuming activities.

Maybe you’ve seen the term thrown around in conjunction with your favorite apps. Or maybe you’ve stumbled across some documentations, but weren’t sure of the real-world, tangible benefits it offers. Instead of adding to the confusion, at Ganttic we’re here to help.

In this first installment, consider this your beginner’s guide to API. Here we offer a definition in layman’s terms, go through some examples of API integration in your everyday life, some of the possibilities you’ll have with Ganttic’s API, and explain why it’s important to you.

If you’re already familiar with what API can offer, skip to the end where we explain how you can start using Ganttic API’s features right now.

What is API?

The acronym stands for application programming interface. A simple definition of API is a set of functions, protocols, and tools used for building software applications. But usually it has come to be understood as the way in which applications or software communicate and receive data from each other. 

API has been defined as “the part of the server that receives requests and sends responses.” On the web, which is a network of connected servers, an API is like a data epicenter.

What does API do?

APIs enable your software to interact with each other.

APIs enable your software to interact with each other.

Basically, software that has an API can connect to other applications and tools. This allows them to “talk” with one another. When using an app on your phone, you’re most likely using an API. If you send a query via your Facebook app for example, it will connect to the server. But only small bits of data, and only what is necessary. That means your phone’s data is never fully exposed to the server and vice versa. As such, APIs offer an additional layer of security to the integrated programs.

You can think of APIs as the mail carriers of cyberspace. Delivering packages of information between communicating entities. And with an API you can leverage your data via integrations.

Examples of API

You’re probably using an API right now, and don’t even know it. Have you ever shared a Google doc on Slack? Or checked the weather in your city on Google? Both are common examples of its usage. Any software you use that connects to third-party apps is probably utilizing an API. 

What will Ganttic API do?

For the more technologically inclined, you can see Ganttic’s API documentation on GitHub. That will tell you everything you need to know.

For the rest of us, the important thing to understand is that Ganttic’s API is open. Which means that there’s the opportunity to connect it with any other piece of software which utilizes API.

Try Ganttic API now.

There’s 2 main things this will allow you to do:

  1. If you developed your own in-house software you can easily connect that to Ganttic. That way you can sync the 2 programs together in any way that you wish. For example, if you’ve created a form to fetch you specific data, link that to Ganttic and that data will appear on your Gantt chart or planner.
  2. Connect any other app with API to Ganttic API. Connect it to your ERP software or any other tool you use on a daily basis. All your data will be in one easily accessible location

Why is API integration important?

As you can guess, APIs provide limitless ways to connect your applications and let them communicate with each other. This means that a piece of software with an API does not have to be used as a stand-alone tool. While this is especially important for developers and makes their jobs easier, it’s also useful for anyone who uses a smartphone or computer. In your everyday life, you can probably spot some of these benefits. Sharing, communication, usability, and better reporting are all advantages of this integration.

Sharing

APIs often work to sync programs together. That means that a calendar event or a booking you create in your Ganttic planner can easily be shared on another platform. Users can share data more quickly and easily, which is useful for your personal life and in the business world. For international companies, especially, the ability to share data between different branches, across continents, and among various pieces of software is a huge plus.

Communication

Because APIs allow your programs to communicate with one another, this helps data to move from one to the other more seamlessly. Now, you’ll only need to input data once, before it shows up on the rest of your platforms. No need to manually add it to every piece of software. This decreases the chance for errors. And speeds up information exchanges.

Usability

While it’s important not to confuse APIs with UI, the former can make your programs and tools more user-friendly. Logging in to new applications is simple and less time consuming. Plus, when things are connected to an API, you’ll find yourself with endless, customizable options. You can create an interface that’s meaningful to you and lets you use your data in the way you see fit.

Better reporting

API gives you more access to more data. From this raw data you can gain a lot of insights. Create more specific reports with the data you find useful. Customize your reports for stakeholders, clients, or team members, with the right info for each. Generate better visualizations and charts for meetings and let them do the speaking for you. This also helps with data backups so you’ll no longer need to worry about losing important information.

Make your reports more visually appealing with Ganttic's API, here's an example of how Dribia utilized the API for their reporting needs.
An example of custom reports created by Dribia using Ganttic API. Photo courtesy of Dribia

Read on: Barcelona-based data scientists Dribia used Ganttic’s API to develop their own, unique reporting system. By building a custom-built API client made in Python and Ganttic, they were able to create the kind of visual reports that fit them best. Read the full case study. 

How can I get started with Ganttic API?

By now, I bet you’re saying, “sign me up for this API”! Well, actually you’re in luck. Ganttic API is free for clients who have a Pro account.  For our users with free accounts, you’re welcome to use Ganttic API by first upgrading to one of our Pro packages.

If you’d like to find out more benefits of API integration or you need help choosing the right package for you, write to our support team at support@ganttic.com.

See our walkthrough on Ganttic API at our Help Desk. You can also check out our API documentation on GitHub for more details.

And if you want to learn more about the main functions of Ganttic API and what you’ll be able to do with it, check out our second part here.

Embrace the future. Want to learn more about Ganttic API? Contact our Helpdesk for a 1 to 1 demo!

Get started with Ganttic API today.