API Creation
Learn how to create and configure new APIs in the CodeNull API Dashboard
API Creation
The API Creation tool in CodeNull allows you to design and implement backend APIs for your web application without writing complex code. This guide walks you through the process of creating robust, scalable API endpoints that connect to your database and external services.
Overview
The API Creation interface provides an intuitive visual environment for designing your application’s backend services. It allows you to:
- Define API endpoints with appropriate HTTP methods
- Configure request and response schemas
- Implement business logic using a visual flow editor
- Connect endpoints to your database collections
- Add authentication and authorization rules
- Test your APIs in real-time
Creating Your First API
Navigate to the API Dashboard
From your CodeNull workspace, click on “API Dashboard” in the left navigation panel.
Create a New API
Click the “Create New API” button in the top-right corner of the dashboard.
Define API Details
Enter the basic information for your API:
- API Name: A descriptive name for your API (e.g., “Product Management”)
- Base Path: The root URL path for your API (e.g., “/api/products”)
- Description: A brief explanation of what your API does
Configure API Settings
Set global options for your API:
- Authentication: Choose authentication method (None, API Key, JWT, OAuth)
- Rate Limiting: Configure request limits to prevent abuse
- CORS Settings: Specify allowed origins and methods
- Response Format: Define standard response structure
Save API Configuration
Click “Create API” to generate your API structure. You’ll be redirected to the endpoint management screen where you can add specific endpoints.
API Configuration Options
Choose from multiple authentication options:
- No Authentication: Publicly accessible API
- API Key: Simple key-based authentication
- JWT: JSON Web Token authentication
- OAuth 2.0: Industry-standard protocol for authorization
For each method, you can configure specific settings such as token expiration, key rotation policies, and scope definitions.
Choose from multiple authentication options:
- No Authentication: Publicly accessible API
- API Key: Simple key-based authentication
- JWT: JSON Web Token authentication
- OAuth 2.0: Industry-standard protocol for authorization
For each method, you can configure specific settings such as token expiration, key rotation policies, and scope definitions.
Protect your API from abuse by setting rate limits:
- Requests per minute: Control request frequency
- Total daily requests: Set maximum daily usage
- Per-endpoint limits: Configure different limits for specific endpoints
- Client identification: Choose how to identify clients (IP, API key, user)
Configure Cross-Origin Resource Sharing settings:
- Allowed Origins: Specify which domains can access your API
- Allowed Methods: Control which HTTP methods are permitted
- Allowed Headers: Define accepted request headers
- Credentials Support: Enable/disable cookies and authentication
Connecting to Data Sources
Your API can connect to various data sources:
MongoDB Collections
Connect to your NoSQL database collections
SQL Tables
Link to relational database tables
External APIs
Integrate with third-party API services
Serverless Functions
Execute custom serverless functions
Static Data
Use static JSON or CSV data
Real-time Sources
Connect to WebSockets or SSE
Best Practices
Follow these best practices when creating APIs:
- Use RESTful conventions: Follow REST principles for intuitive API design
- Consistent naming: Use consistent patterns for endpoint URLs
- Proper status codes: Return appropriate HTTP status codes
- Versioning: Include version information in your API paths
- Input validation: Validate all input data to prevent errors and security issues
- Response formatting: Maintain consistent response structure