API

API Keys: What They Are and How to Use Them

Most public APIs require an API key — a unique string that identifies you as a registered user of the...

The requests Library: HTTP Requests from Python

requests is the most downloaded Python library in the world — over 300 million downloads per month. It makes HTTP...

How to Read API Documentation

API documentation is a developer's primary tool. Knowing how to read it matters more than memorizing any specific API —...

HTTP Status Codes: What the Server Is Telling Your Program

Every time your program makes an API request, the server responds with more than just data — it responds with...

SDK vs REST API: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use

In previous lessons we worked with REST APIs directly via requests.get() and requests.post(). But many services ship their own SDK...

HTTP Request Headers: What They Are and Why They Matter

Every HTTP request is made up of three parts: the start line, headers, and a body. Headers are the request's...

URL Structure and Query Parameters

Every HTTP request targets a specific address. Understanding URL structure means you can read requests like plain text instead of...

HTTP Methods: GET, POST, PATCH, PUT, DELETE

In previous lessons we always used GET requests — asking the server for data. But HTTP supports other methods for...

What Is an API and Why Does It Exist

Every time you open a weather app, pay with a card, or see recommendations on YouTube — an API is...