How to use Bubble.io’s database with external APIs?

Learn to integrate and manage external APIs with Bubble.io's flexible database system. This guide covers creating data types, configuring APIs, storing, and displaying data securely.

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Overview

Learn how to seamlessly integrate Bubble.io’s powerful and flexible database with external APIs. This guide teaches you everything from creating data types and fields, setting up the API connector, configuring API settings, and storing API data in Bubble’s database, to displaying and managing this data efficiently. Emphasize security with tips on secure data storage and privacy rules. Unlock Bubble’s potential and make the most out of no-code development with these straightforward steps.

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How to use Bubble.io’s database with external APIs?

Understanding Bubble.io’s Database Structure Bubble.io offers a robust database system that is very flexible and can be easily linked with external APIs. The database is structured around 'Data Types' and 'Fields'. Each data type is like a table, and fields are like columns in traditional databases. Creating Data Types and Fields

Navigate to the Data tab in the Bubble editor.
In the Data Types section, click 'Create a new type' and name your new data type.
Once the data type is created, you can add fields by clicking 'Create a new field'. Choose appropriate data types for the fields such as text, number, date, etc.

Setting Up API Connector

Go to the Plugins tab and search for 'API Connector'. Install it.
Once installed, click on the API Connector to add new API.
Click 'Add another API' and provide the necessary details like API name and description.

Configuring the API

In the API settings, you will need to define endpoint URLs, headers, and parameters.
Use 'Initialize call' to test your API request. This will also help Bubble to understand the structure of the data returned by the API.
After initializing the call, you can view the fields returned and even modify them if needed.

Storing API Data in Bubble’s Database

Create a new workflow in the Workflow tab.
Add an action within the workflow to 'Get data from an external API'. Select the API endpoint you configured earlier.
Add another action to 'Create a new thing' in your Bubble database.
Map the fields from your API call to the corresponding fields in your Bubble database.

Displaying API Data Using Repeating Groups

Go to the Design tab and drag a Repeating Group element onto your page.
Set the Type of content to match the data type of the API results.
In the Data source field, select the API data.
Customize the appearance of the Repeating Group to display the data fields.

Updating and Managing Data

You can create workflows to periodically update your database by setting up scheduled API calls.
Use conditionals and actions in workflows to handle errors or specific conditions like rate limits and data validation.

Security and Privacy

Ensure that your API keys and sensitive information are stored securely, preferably using Bubble’s Secret keys feature.
Enable privacy rules to restrict data access based on user roles and permissions.
Regularly audit your app to ensure security best practices are being followed.

This guide provides an overview of how to integrate and manage external API data within Bubble.io’s database structure, enabling you to leverage the full potential of no-code development while maintaining data integrity and security.

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