TUTORIAL: How to Use USAspending API Endpoints
Are you interested in creating customized and automated reports using USAspending data? If so, you'll want to learn about USAspending API endpoints! APIs (application programming interfaces) serve data from the backend to the frontend of USAspending.gov. You can use them to create reports using the data you see (and don't see) on the USAspending website. Watch the video to learn more!
We want to hear your ideas for future videos. Drop us a comment below!
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Welcome!
0:30 Step 1: Introduction to APIs
• When to use an API
• What is an API
• Rest API endpoints
• GET and POST requests
3:08 Step 2: State profile GET request
• Find data on a State profile page
• Use the Inspect feature in your browser to find API paths
• Use the Headers tab to copy and enter the Request URL in a new tab and compare the API output to what is presented on the State profile age
5:52 Step 3: Advanced Search POST request
• Submit an example search in Advanced Search
• Find the specific data point you are interested in
• Use the Inspect feature in your browser to find the API path for that endpoint
• Use the Response tab to match the data point between the API endpoint and the Advanced Search result
• Use the Payload tab to match the filters between the API endpoint and the Advanced Search result
• Use the Headers tab to copy and enter the Request URL in a new tab and access the API endpoint documentation (which should match the Payload tab)
• Use the filter objects in the API endpoint documentation and Payload tab to write your own API calls for use in your own reports and analyses
9:17 Thank you!
LINKS:
• Visit USAspending.gov: https://www.usaspending.gov/
• Sign up for our email list to receive updates and release notes by sending an email to:
[email protected]
• Ask questions about the tools, features, and data on USAspending.gov by sending an email to:
[email protected]
• Request customized training on USAspending.gov for your organization:
https://www.usaspending.gov/about?sec...
We look forward to hearing from you!