API 101 for Junior Web Devs

API 101 for Junior Web Devs

target audience - juniors

This course is for junior web developers with basic programming knowledge of Java script, typescript, react and nextjs.

prerequisites

  • Basic programming knowledge
  • Familiarity with JavaScript
  • Understanding of TypeScript
  • Experience with React
  • Exposure to Next.js

learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of APIs and their role in web development.
  • Learn how to interact with RESTful APIs using JavaScript.
  • Master the process of sending HTTP requests and handling responses.
  • Integrate third-party APIs into React applications with ease.
  • Explore the use of TypeScript interfaces for API data handling.
  • Gain proficiency in using async/await for API calls in Next.js.
  • Develop skills to create and document simple APIs for web applications.

course outline

chapter 1 - Introduction to APIs

  • objectives
    • Understand what an API is and its purpose in web development.
    • Learn about different types of APIs, including RESTful APIs.
  • outline
    • Definition and purpose of APIs
    • Types of APIs: REST, GraphQL, SOAP
    • Real-world examples of APIs in action

chapter 2 - HTTP Basics

  • objectives
    • Gain an understanding of HTTP and its role in API communication.
    • Learn about common HTTP methods used in APIs.
  • outline
    • Overview of the HTTP protocol
    • Explanation of HTTP methods: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE
    • Headers, status codes, and responses

chapter 3 - Interacting with RESTful APIs

  • objectives
    • Learn how to send HTTP requests and handle responses in JavaScript.
    • Understand the process of integrating APIs in web applications.
  • outline
    • Setting up a development environment for API calls
    • Using JavaScript Fetch API to make requests
    • Handling JSON responses and errors

chapter 4 - Working with Third-Party APIs in React

  • objectives
    • Explore how to integrate third-party APIs into React applications.
    • Manage application state when using API data.
  • outline
    • Setting up a React project for API integration
    • Fetching and displaying API data in React components
    • Using React state and effects for dynamic data

chapter 5 - Enhancing API Interactions with TypeScript

  • objectives
    • Learn how to use TypeScript interfaces for managing API data.
    • Understand the benefits of typing API responses in TypeScript.
  • outline
    • Introduction to TypeScript basics for API data handling
    • Defining and using interfaces for API responses
    • Real-world examples and best practices

chapter 6 - Asynchronous Programming with Async/Await

  • objectives
    • Gain proficiency in using async/await to handle asynchronous API calls.
    • Understand asynchronous programming in JavaScript and Next.js.
  • outline
    • Overview of asynchronous programming concepts
    • Using async/await to simplify API calls
    • Integration with Next.js server-side rendering

chapter 7 - Building Your Own APIs

  • objectives
    • Develop skills to create simple APIs using Node.js and Express.
    • Learn how to document and test APIs for web applications.
  • outline
    • Setting up a Node.js and Express project
    • Creating basic API endpoints
    • Documenting and testing your API

chapter 8 - Advanced Topics and Best Practices

  • objectives
    • Explore advanced API topics and best practices.
    • Learn about API security and authentication methods.
  • outline
    • Introduction to API security principles
    • Implementing OAuth and API keys for secure APIs
    • Best practices for designing scalable and efficient APIs

chapter 9 - Real-World API Projects

  • objectives
    • Apply the knowledge gained in a real-world project.
    • Develop a complete web application using APIs.
  • outline
    • Project planning and requirement gathering
    • Implementing APIs in a live project
    • Testing and deploying your API-driven application

chapter 10 - Review and Next Steps

  • objectives
    • Review the key concepts learned throughout the course.
    • Identify areas for further study and professional development.
  • outline
    • Recap of API fundamentals and use cases
    • Suggestions for advanced studies and resources
    • Preparing for a career in web development with a focus on APIs