Drupal is wildly popular – both as a CMS and an eCommerce platform. As demands for innovation in web development rise, developers are looking for more ways to attract users. An API-first approach gives developers immense scope for creating new features and enabling flexibility. Most Drupal Commerce developers use it as a front-end and back-end tool to create web solutions. So, an API can dramatically change the look and functionality of a web solution.
Today, more and more people visit websites from a mobile device than a desktop. Hence, your business website must be responsive to all kinds of devices and operating systems. That’s where APIs come into play. The developers of Drupal have identified the immense potential of APIs in web development.
Why APIs Are Important in Web Development
An API is an agreement of request and response between the developer (vendor) and the user (client). APIs are used mainly for exchanging data. They connect the front end with the back end of a software solution. APIs also define the accessibility of resources associated with software development.
API-first web solutions enable flexibility in terms of interacting with different kinds of devices and systems. This means your business website can much more than just being a traditional website. API-first websites can easily embrace different channels. Drupal Commerce developers have advocated this approach for a long time now.
Integration of JSON API to Drupal 8 Core
The idea of JSON: API became widely popular in the JavaScript community. JavaScript Object Notation, or JSON, is the most common data exchange format for web solutions. This API has replaced XML due to advantages like its lightweight nature. Besides, JSON is compatible with almost every modern programming language. So, whether it’s a website development or Drupal migration services, the API is always useful.
Advantages of Implementing JSON API to Drupal Websites
JSON: API allows programmers like Drupal Commerce developers to make their solution more versatile. They can decide how the API should interact with the web solution’s data model. In Drupal Commerce solutions, the API enables the creation of customized resource routes, among other benefits. Here’s a list of key advantages of using JSON API specifications.
1. Consistent Structure
JSON is incredibly consistent in terms of its structural behavior. It helps front-end developers to make the designs and layout more attractive and responsive. Consistency goes a long way when it comes to developing Drupal Commerce solutions development.
2. Cross-platform compatibility
JSON: API specifications are widely supported across platforms and operating systems. Besides, the API makes the implementation of client libraries easier. Since it’s compatible with virtually every programming language and web development framework, developers love this API.
3. Productive web development
Designing and developing an API is often a time-consuming and complex process. JSON provides you with a set of specifications to design API without any hassle. It makes the web development team more productive. Also, developers can focus on the creativity and flexibility of the solutions they build.
How JSON Improves Drupal Web Development
The JSON API specifications help developers in many ways. They simplify sophisticated technical processes and development pathways. Here’s how it changes your website.
No configuration needed
Once you implement the JSON specifications, it makes the resources accessible with relevant verbs, endpoints, and development fields. The API doesn’t allow any modification to the configurations. This makes the deployment of a web solution simpler and quicker.
“Relationships” object
With “relationships” objects, you get all the required information related to the development resource. The resource could be the author, image fields, entity references, etc. Developers usually need to make additional requests to get access to the information. But with JSON in place, you can add a request parameter “include” to specify the required fields.
Filtering resources
You can apply filters to selectively retrieve the required resources. Theses resources can further be added using the “filter” parameter. Developers need to specify the field on which they want to do the comparison.
Paging, sorting, and more
JSON also enables you to use paging. It’s a technique to divide the long listing of items into different pages. Developers can also use a “sort” parameter to specify the field and the sort direction.
Conclusion
JSON API specifications change your Drupal website for better – both technically and aesthetically. In terms of functionality, it helps eCommerce websites with billing management, shipping, and various other areas. For business websites, the API specifications significantly improve flexibility and responsiveness across platforms. At Drupal India, we built a diverse range of enterprise-grade web solutions using the Drupal CMS. You can hire Drupal developers from us to build API-first and design rich websites.
FAQs
Q. What is a JSON API?
JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is an encoding scheme that is designed to eliminate the need for an ad-hoc code for each application. It helps to communicate with servers in a defined way. JSON API module exposes an implementation for data stores and data structures, such as entity types, bundles, and fields, among others.
Q. Is JSON a REST API?
The REST architecture allows API providers to deliver data in multiple formats such as plain text, HTML, XML, YAML. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is an easy-to-parse and lightweight data-interchange format. It’s different from REST API.
Q. How much does it cost to build a Drupal website?
The costs of developing a Drupal website depend on several factors. Design complexity, development time, type of features, etc. play an important role in calculating the final cost. Drupal India delivers design-rich Drupal websites and eCommerce solutions at a competitive price.
