External Apis

Learn how to connect and interact with external APIs using Saiku, enhancing its functionalities and scope.

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.

Overview of External API Integration

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

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.

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.

Example: Integrating a Weather API

Here’s a brief example of how you might integrate a weather API with Saiku:

As Dependency

// 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.

Assistant

Responses are generated using AI and may contain mistakes.