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Integrating External APIs with Saiku

Saiku’s flexible architecture allows for the integration of a wide range of external APIs, extending its capabilities beyond its core functionalities. This guide provides an overview of how to integrate and interact with external APIs within the Saiku framework.

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Overview of External API Integration

Integrating external APIs can significantly broaden the functionalities of Saiku, allowing it to interact with various services and platforms.

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Key Considerations:

  • Authentication: Understand the authentication mechanism required by the external API (e.g., API keys, OAuth tokens).
  • Request Format: Familiarize yourself with the request structure expected by the API.
  • Response Handling: Prepare to handle and parse the responses from the API.

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Steps for Integration

Integrate external APIs into your Saiku project with the following steps:
1

Identify the API

Research and select the external API that suits your requirements. Ensure it provides the necessary endpoints and data you need.
2

Obtain Credentials

Register or sign up for the external API to obtain necessary credentials, such as API keys or client IDs.
3

Configure Environment

Add the obtained credentials to your Saiku environment, typically via environment variables or configuration files.
4

Implement API Calls

Develop the functionality in Saiku to call the external API. This might involve creating new actions or modifying existing ones.
  • Use libraries like axios or fetch for HTTP requests.
  • Ensure proper error handling and response parsing.
5

Test the Integration

Thoroughly test the API integration to ensure it works as expected. Handle any edge cases or potential errors.
6

Document the Integration

Maintain clear documentation of how the external API is integrated and used within Saiku, including any specific configurations or steps required.

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Example: Integrating a Weather API

Here’s a brief example of how you might integrate a weather API with Saiku: 
// Example of using Saiku as a dependency in your project
import Agent from 'saiku/agents/agent';

async function main() {
  const agent = new Agent();
  // The agent will automatically load all actions in the `actions` directory and shall decide which one to use based on the intent
  const response = await agent.interact('What is the weather like today?');
  console.log(response.text);
}

main();
When integrating external APIs, always adhere to their usage policies and terms of service. Be mindful of rate limits and data usage restrictions.