API Overview
# API Overview
Our REST API provides a comprehensive set of endpoints for integrating with our platform. This overview covers the basics of our API, including authentication, request/response formats, and available resources.
## Base URL
All API requests should be made to:
```
https://api.example.com/v1
```
## Authentication
All API requests require authentication. We support two authentication methods:
### API Key Authentication
For server-to-server communication, use your API key:
```bash
curl -X POST https://api.example.com/v1/auth/login \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"api_key": "your-api-key-here"
}'
```
### Bearer Token Authentication
For subsequent requests, use the access token received from login:
```bash
curl -X GET https://api.example.com/v1/users/me \
-H "Authorization: Bearer your-access-token"
```
## Request Format
### Headers
All requests should include:
```
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer your-access-token (for authenticated endpoints)
```
### Request Body
For POST/PUT requests, send data as JSON:
```json
{
"name": "Example Item",
"description": "This is an example item"
}
```
## Response Format
All API responses follow a consistent format:
### Success Response
```json
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"id": "item_123",
"name": "Example Item",
"description": "This is an example item",
"created_at": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z"
},
"meta": {
"timestamp": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z"
}
}
```
### Error Response
```json
{
"success": false,
"error": {
"code": "VALIDATION_ERROR",
"message": "Invalid input data",
"details": {
"field": "name",
"reason": "Name is required"
}
}
}
```
## Available Endpoints
### Authentication
| Method | Endpoint | Description |
|--------|----------|-------------|
| POST | `/auth/login` | Authenticate with API key |
### Users
| Method | Endpoint | Description |
|--------|----------|-------------|
| GET | `/users/me` | Get current user information |
### Items
| Method | Endpoint | Description |
|--------|----------|-------------|
| GET | `/items` | List all items |
| POST | `/items` | Create a new item |
| GET | `/items/{id}` | Get item by ID |
| PUT | `/items/{id}` | Update item |
| DELETE | `/items/{id}` | Delete item |
## Data Models
### User
```json
{
"id": "user_123",
"email": "user@example.com",
"name": "John Doe",
"created_at": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z",
"updated_at": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z"
}
```
### Item
```json
{
"id": "item_123",
"name": "Example Item",
"description": "This is an example item",
"user_id": "user_123",
"created_at": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z",
"updated_at": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z"
}
```
## Error Codes
| Code | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `INVALID_API_KEY` | The provided API key is invalid |
| `TOKEN_EXPIRED` | The access token has expired |
| `VALIDATION_ERROR` | Request data validation failed |
| `NOT_FOUND` | The requested resource was not found |
| `PERMISSION_DENIED` | You don't have permission to access this resource |
| `RATE_LIMITED` | Rate limit exceeded |
## Rate Limiting
API requests are rate limited to:
- **100 requests per minute** per API key
- **1000 requests per hour** per API key
Rate limit headers are included in responses:
```
X-RateLimit-Limit: 100
X-RateLimit-Remaining: 95
X-RateLimit-Reset: 1640995200
```
## Pagination
For endpoints that return lists, pagination is supported:
### Request
```
GET /items?page=1&limit=10
```
### Response
```json
{
"success": true,
"data": [
// ... items
],
"meta": {
"pagination": {
"page": 1,
"limit": 10,
"total": 100,
"pages": 10
}
}
}
```
## Filtering and Sorting
Many endpoints support filtering and sorting:
### Filtering
```
GET /items?status=active&user_id=user_123
```
### Sorting
```
GET /items?sort=created_at&order=desc
```
## Webhooks
Webhooks allow you to receive real-time notifications when events occur:
### Supported Events
- `item.created` - When a new item is created
- `item.updated` - When an item is updated
- `item.deleted` - When an item is deleted
### Webhook Payload
```json
{
"event": "item.created",
"data": {
"id": "item_123",
"name": "Example Item"
},
"timestamp": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z"
}
```
## SDKs and Libraries
We provide official SDKs for popular programming languages:
- **JavaScript/Node.js**: `@example/sdk`
- **Python**: `example-sdk`
- **Ruby**: `example_sdk`
- **PHP**: `example/sdk`
## Testing
### Sandbox Environment
For testing, use our sandbox environment:
```
https://sandbox-api.example.com/v1
```
### Test Data
Sandbox environment includes test data that resets daily.
## Support
For API support:
- **Documentation**: Check our detailed [API Reference](/api-docs)
- **SDK Documentation**: Language-specific guides
- **Contact**: Use our contact form or email support@example.com
## Next Steps
- Explore our [Interactive API Documentation](/api-docs)
- Check out our [SDK Examples](/docs/sdks)
- Read our [Best Practices Guide](/docs/guides/best-practices)