Lesson 6: Working with APIs
An API (Application Programming Interface) lets your Python program talk to the internet — fetch weather data, get random jokes, look up stock prices, or send messages. APIs are how modern applications connect to services.
Key Concepts
What Is an API?
An API is a way for software to request services from another system. You send an HTTP request to a URL (endpoint). The server returns data (usually JSON). Your code reads the JSON.
HTTP Requests with requests
import requests
response = requests.get('https://api.example.com/data')
data = response.json()
response.status_code == 200 means success. 404 = not found. 500 = server error.
Query Parameters
Pass data to an API:
params = {'city': 'Tulsa', 'units': 'imperial'}
response = requests.get(url, params=params)
This appends ?city=Tulsa&units=imperial to the URL automatically.
API Keys
Most real APIs require an API key — a secret token that identifies you. Never put API keys directly in your code. Use environment variables or a .env file (and never commit them to git!).
✅ Check Your Understanding
1. What does an API response typically contain?
2. What does a status code of 200 mean?
3. Why should API keys never be committed to git?