Using WordPress REST API for Application Integration
Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of WordPress REST API, the magical gateway that lets two completely different applications talk to each other. With REST API, WordPress could, hypothetically, converse with Twitter, write a love letter to Instagram, or break up with your email server (don’t let it do that last one).
Now, let’s ‘byte’ into the goodness (pardon the pun, couldn’t resist). We’re going to figure out how to use WordPress REST API to integrate applications, and we’re going to do it in such a fun way, even your grandma would understand (if she’s into that kind of stuff).
‘What is WordPress REST API?’
Before we go shaking hands with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces, if you’re being formal), let’s understand what WordPress REST API is. It’s basically the middle-man in the application world – a loyal messenger that takes requests, retrieves data, or updates content from one application (like WordPress) and sends it to another application (maybe a mobile app).
‘Getting Started with the REST API’
As with many miraculous things, using the REST API is a lot easier than it sounds. WordPress comes with the REST API built in. To start, you just need an endpoint, which is a specific URL where an API can access the resources it needs (kind of like the address of the software world. Except it’s not on Google Maps).
‘Discovering Endpoints’
Discovering endpoints is like a treasure hunt in the code world. These treasure chests are typically found at website.com/wp-json/. Start your quest by typing your website’s URL and add /wp-json/wp/v2 to the end.
‘Making a Request’
Once you’ve found your endpoint, you’re ready to kindle the conversation between apps. To do this, you’ll use HTTP methods such as GET (to retrieve data), POST (to send data), PUT (to update data) and DELETE (to, well, delete data. Sayonara!).
‘Authentication’
Just as you wouldn’t let strangers into your house (hence why we have locks) or give a non-developer access to your code (the horror), you can’t just let any random application diddle-daddle with your data. This is where authentication comes in. Depending on what information you want to access or modify, certain requests need to be authenticated.
‘Securing Your API’
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but remember the world of development isn’t always rainbows, unicorns, and well-behaved codes. Data security is paramount, because hackers. Yes, I said it, hackers. Add-a-slash types who could potentially turn your lovely application into a zombie bot. To keep your API secure, remember to follow best practices (we’ll discuss this more in the chapter on ‘Close Encounters of the Hack Kind’).
To wrap up (in swaddling code, if you will), integrating applications with WordPress using REST API isn’t just about a one-and-done communication. It’s about creating ongoing dialogues between applications, and doing it in a way that’s safe and efficient. That’s coding poetry, my friend. Rowling’s got nothing on us.
So, are you ready to use WordPress REST API like a boss? Let’s code on!
