Course overview
Although there are many datasets available in convenient formats like CSVs, there is also a large amount of data that is accessible only via an API. If you want to analyze streaming data from Twitter, for example, or dig into posting trends on Reddit, you need to get that data from the relevant APIs.
In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of APIs, such as connecting to an open API and interpreting different status codes. You’ll also learn how to work with the JSON data format in R (since most data from APIs will be in JSON format). Then, you’ll tackle more complex tasks like authenticating with private APIs and submitting more complex requests.
Best of all, you’ll learn by doing — you’ll practice and get feedback directly in the browser. The course concludes with a guided project that asks you to assemble a full data analysis project using an API to get data on New York’s solar energy resources.
Key skills
- Querying external data sources using an API
- Querying using an API with authentication
- Interpreting various API status codes
Course outline
Introduction to APIs in R [4 lessons]
Working with APIs in R 1h
Lesson Objectives- Identify the advantages of working with APIs
- Process API requests
- Define the JSON data format
Intermediate APIs in R 1h
Lesson Objectives- Authenticate with APIs
- Identify the different types of API requests
Challenge: Working with Different APIs in R 1h
Lesson Objectives- Employ different APIs
- Employ different APIs requests types
Guided Project: New York Solar Resource Data 1h
Lesson Objectives- Expand your portfolio with a guided API project
- Overcome common setbacks in data analysis
Projects in this course
Guided Project: New York Solar Resource Data
Learn to combine the skills you learned in this course to perform practical data extraction.
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
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Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
Challenge yourself with exercises
Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
Showcase your path certification
Impress employers by completing a capstone project and certifying it with an expert review.
Learning resources
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