API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of tools and protocols that allows developers to interact with the Wix platform and create custom applications that can be integrated with Wix websites. The API allows developers to access and manipulate various data and functionality of Wix websites, such as retrieving user data, managing site content, and integrating with third-party services.
Developers can use the API to create custom applications that can be added to Wix websites as components or features. This can include anything from custom forms and surveys to e-commerce and marketing tools. The API also allows developers to create and manage custom databases that can be used to store and retrieve data within Wix websites.
In this article, we will look at what the API can bring to your Wix website and learn how to integrate the API properly.
Why Add API To Wix Site And What Are The Benefits?
Adding an API to a Wix site can offer a range of benefits, including increased functionality, improved user experience, and enhanced integration with third-party services.
Here are some of the main benefits of adding an API to a Wix site:
Access to third-party data sources: APIs can enable a Wix website to access data from external sources such as social media platforms, payment gateways, or other software applications. This can provide the website with additional functionality and make it more interactive and engaging for users.
Improved performance: APIs can help a Wix website to offload heavy processing tasks to external services, reducing the load on the website's servers and improving performance. For example, a Wix website that relies on complex data processing can use APIs to perform this processing on an external service, making the website faster and more responsive.
Integration with other software systems: APIs can allow a Wix website to integrate with other software systems, such as CRM platforms, email marketing tools, or inventory management systems. This can streamline business processes and enable a Wix website to function more efficiently.
Enhanced user experience: APIs can enable a Wix website to offer users more personalized and tailored experiences. For example, a website that uses an API to access a user's social media data can provide customized recommendations based on the user's interests and preferences.
Increased revenue potential: By leveraging APIs, a Wix website can offer additional services or products to users, potentially increasing revenue streams. For example, a website that integrates with a payment gateway API can allow users to purchase products or services directly on the website.
Overall, adding an API to a Wix site can offer a range of benefits for businesses and organizations looking to improve their online presence and streamline their workflows. With the right tools and expertise, APIs can help unlock new levels of functionality and integration for Wix websites.
How To Add Api To The Wix Website
Adding an API to a Wix website can be done in a few steps. Here's a detailed guide.
Choose The API You Want To Add
First, choose which API you want to add to your Wix website. APIs are sets of protocols and routines that allow software applications to interact with each other. Many APIs can add various functionalities to your website, such as payment gateways, social media integration, and more.
Get API Credentials
Once you've chosen the API you want to add, you'll need API credentials. Credential types can be different. The main options are API/Secret Key and Login + Password. Sometimes these credentials can be replaced with MerchantID + Secret Key at the discretion of the API developer. You can obtain these credentials by registering for the API service you want to use.
Use Wix Velo
Wix Velo is a tool that allows you to create custom code for your Wix website. To add the API to your Wix site, you need to know the basics of Wix Velo. The capabilities of the Velo software environment are available to all users of the Wix platform.
Create a Backend File
You should follow a few instructions:
Enable DevMod.
Go to the Site Structure tab.
Public & Backend Tab.
In the Backend tab, the Add Web Module button or through the button with the plus sign New Web Module.
Add Code to the Backend File
Once you've created a backend file, you must add code interacting with the API. The code you add will depend on the API you're using and the functionality you want to add to your website. The fetch function from the wix-fetch library can be used as a basis for creating requests.
Connect the API to your Website
Finally, you need to connect the API to your website. You will need to call the functions written in the site's backend to work with the API. Again, the code you add will depend on the API you use and the features you want to add to your website.
That's it! Following these steps, you can add an API to your Wix website. Of course, if you run into any issues, feel free to consult the documentation for the API you're using or contact our team.
Conclusion
As you can see, adding the necessary API to the Wix site is relatively easy. API integration will give you a significant competitive edge and new functionality and features for your customers.
Do you want to add API to your website but don't know how to do it yourself? Contact our Velo specialists; we will help you implement the necessary API on your Wix site.