APIs Explained: Build and Consume REST APIs — Quick Tutorial using Canva

APIs Explained: Build and Consume REST APIs — Quick Tutorial using Canva

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the invisible bridges that make modern software systems work together. Whether you’re designing mobile apps, web dashboards, or data-driven services, REST APIs play a key role in connecting front-end and back-end systems.

In this Quick Tutorial, brought to you by AI Computer Classes – Indore, we’ll explore how to build and consume REST APIs — step-by-step — using examples and visuals created in Canva. Perfect for beginners and working professionals, this guide turns a complex concept into simple, actionable learning.

🚀 Why Learn REST APIs in 2025?

APIs are everywhere — powering mobile apps, stock trading systems, and even your favorite AI tools like ChatGPT.

Here’s why mastering REST APIs matters today:

• 🌐 Universal Skill: Works across every platform — web, mobile, IoT.
• ⚙️ Integration Power: Connects software tools, databases, and analytics.
• 📊 Career Growth: API development is one of the most in-demand IT skills.
• 🧩 Scalability: Enables modular, flexible systems that grow easily.

At AI Computer Classes, Indore, students learn how to create, test, and visualize APIs through real-world projects — gaining both conceptual clarity and practical expertise.

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Boost your career with expert-led training in Python, APIs, Data Structures, and Web Development.

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🧠 Understanding APIs — The Basics

An API is like a waiter at a restaurant 🍽️ — it takes your order (request), sends it to the kitchen (server), and brings back your food (response).

In tech terms:

• Client: The app making the request (like your browser or mobile app).
• Server: The system processing that request.
• Endpoint: The “URL” where the API lives (e.g., https://api.github.com/users).
• Method: The action you want to perform (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).

⚙️ REST API — What It Means

REST (Representational State Transfer) is a design style for building scalable web services. REST APIs use HTTP methods and JSON to communicate between clients and servers.

HTTP MethodPurposeExampleGETRetrieve data/usersPOSTAdd new data/users/newPUTUpdate existing data/users/2DELETERemove data/users/3

REST APIs are simple, fast, and supported by almost every modern programming language including Python, JavaScript, and PHP.

🧩 Step 1: Building a Simple REST API

Let’s create a basic REST API using Python (Flask framework):

from flask import Flask, jsonify, request

app = Flask(__name__)

users = [{"id": 1, "name": "Amit"}, {"id": 2, "name": "Neha"}]

@app.route('/users', methods=['GET'])
def get_users():
    return jsonify(users)

@app.route('/users', methods=['POST'])
def add_user():
    new_user = request.get_json()
    users.append(new_user)
    return jsonify(new_user), 201

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(debug=True)

Run this code, and you’ll have a working REST API! 🎯

You can test it using tools like Postman, Insomnia, or even your web browser.

💡 Hands-On at AI Computer Classes – Indore!

Students practice building REST APIs using Python, Flask, and FastAPI — with live demos and real-world mini-projects.

🎨 Step 2: Visualizing API Workflow in Canva

Understanding data flow is easier when visualized. Open Canva and create a diagram showing:

1. Client (Frontend App) → sends a GET request
2. Server (API) → processes and returns data in JSON
3. Database → stores information

Use arrows, labels, and icons for “Request,” “Response,” and “Data.”

This visual method is excellent for documentation, portfolios, or presentations.

🧰 Step 3: Consuming an API

You can “consume” APIs by writing code that fetches data from them. Here’s an example using JavaScript:

fetch('https://api.github.com/users/octocat')
  .then(response => response.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(error => console.error('Error:', error));

This code retrieves GitHub user details and logs them in your browser console.

Try This: Replace the URL with your own Flask API endpoint and see live data responses!

🧩 Step 4: Integrate API Data in a Web App

Once you know how to consume APIs, integrate them into your website or dashboard.

You can:

• Show live stock prices 🏦
• Display weather updates 🌦️
• Fetch and visualize sales reports 📊

At AI Computer Classes Indore, learners connect REST APIs with web tools like Power BI, Excel, or Figma to build full-fledged projects.

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🎯 Work on live API-based projects like weather apps, trading dashboards, and student portals.

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🧩 Step 5: Error Handling & Security

Good APIs handle errors gracefully and ensure data protection.

Error Example:

{
  "error": "User not found",
  "status": 404
}

🔐 API Security Tips:

• Always use HTTPS.
• Add API Keys for authentication.
• Validate all incoming requests.
• Limit request rates to prevent misuse.

🧩 Step 6: Document Your API

Use tools like Swagger, Postman Docs, or even Canva visuals to create easy-to-read documentation.

Good Documentation Includes:

✅ API overview

✅ Available endpoints

✅ Methods and examples

✅ Authentication details

🧭 Step 7: Use APIs with Other Tools

You can extend your skills by integrating REST APIs with:

• ChatGPT API → to build chatbots 🤖
• Excel Power Query → to fetch live financial data 💹
• Power BI → for visual analytics dashboards 📊

This cross-tool integration is exactly what makes programmers job-ready in today’s market.

🎯 Benefits of Learning REST APIs

BenefitDescriptionPractical SkillBuild real-world apps with API integration.VersatilityWorks with web, mobile, and data platforms.Career EdgeDemand for API developers continues to rise.AutomationAPIs help connect and streamline systems.

🧾 Conclusion

Learning to build and consume REST APIs is like unlocking the backbone of modern technology. Whether you’re coding a chatbot, connecting trading systems, or integrating analytics tools — APIs make it all possible.

With hands-on training at AI Computer Classes – Indore, you’ll not only learn API theory but also gain practical experience using Python, Canva, and other tools to design, document, and deploy professional-grade APIs.

🚀 Start building connected systems today and shape your future in programming!

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