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.
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.