How to find and use data sources created with the API Connector in Bubble.io: Step-by-Step Guide

 

 

Before you can set up an API call, ensure the API Connector plugin is installed in your app. Go to the 'Plugins' section of the Bubble editor and click 'Add plugin'. Search for 'API Connector' and click the 'Install' button.

 

 

Each API service you wish to connect to will have its documentation. It is crucial to understand how to authenticate and make calls to that specific service based on this documentation.

 

 

Within the API Connector, set up a new API call. Define the API endpoint, headers, body, and authentication required as per the external API’s documentation. Make sure to save the API call after configuring it.

 

 

Initialize the call to confirm that your setup works correctly. This action lets Bubble know what kind of data to expect and allows it to create the correct fields for you to fill later on.

 

 

If your API call fetches data from an external service that you want to display in your app, define the call in Bubble's API Connector as a 'Data' call.

 

 

To use an API Data source, go to the design of the page where you want the data to appear. Use dynamic expressions to insert data where you need it. For example, you can use an API data source as a dynamic data source in a 'Repeating Group'.

 

 

If you want the data to trigger actions within your app, set up events in the workflow tab that listen for changes to the data or the successful completion of an API call.

 

 

When needed, you can set up dynamic filtering by adding parameters to your API call. These parameters can be controlled by user inputs or other dynamic data in your app.

 

 

Before going live, test accessing and using your API data within various app elements to ensure that the right data is being pulled and displayed correctly.

 

 

Use feedback from your tests to fine-tune the API configuration for optimal data access and use within your app.

 

By completing these steps, you can effectively use the API Connector to utilize and manipulate data from external services within your Bubble.io application, giving you the flexibility to enhance the functionality of your app with a wide range of data sources.