The API Awakening

WEEK 14 - HTTP Requests and Health Records: A Match Made in API Heaven 

We explored everything from making valid HTTP requests to understanding the differences between XML and JSON, but the most important takeaway for me was learning how to design APIs. As someone who’d be handling the backend for our project, this knowledge was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about integrating services; it was about making our app function smoothly with the external world. The pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place.

The discussion flowed smoothly, mostly because many of us had already worked with APIs in app development. We covered the essential components: how to make valid HTTP requests (thank you URL, Method, Headers, and Body), the battle between XML and JSON, and the all-important API authentication. Then came the real challenge: designing APIs. I thought it was going to be overwhelming, but it was actually a pretty enlightening experience, especially knowing that I’d be handling the backend coding for our project soon.

After a short but sweet seatwork quiz, which I hoped I did better on than last week’s surprise test, we got into a group activity. Our task was to analyze a health record system scenario and answer five questions. I helped with numbers 1, 2, and 5—each question more intense than the last. When the activity ended, I realized I had learned more than just about APIs. I felt more equipped to integrate our app with external services, and I was excited to take on the backend challenge. Sir Carl wrapped up the class early, and just like that, I was headed home, feeling more confident than ever about my role in the project.









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