Downloading Files from APIs using Postman

As an API user, it's common to encounter scenarios where you need to download files from APIs. In this article, we'll explore how to use Postman, a popular API testing tool, to download files from APIs.

Authenticating with the X3 API

To begin, you must authenticate with the X3 API by selecting which folders the App can access. You can then accept or reject the request, and the browser will direct you to the pending application approval page. Ensure that the regional API endpoint associated with your customer X3 configuration is correct in the form (Auth URL and Access Token URL).

Using Postman Collections

Postman collections are a great way to organize your requests and make it easier to manage your API interactions. To use a Postman collection, simply download the collection file and import it into Postman. You can then run the collection to execute all the requests in sequence.

Downloading Files from APIs with Postman

To download a file from an API using Postman, follow these steps:

1. Open Postman and create a new request by clicking on the '+' button.

2. Enter the API endpoint URL and select the 'GET' method.

3. Click on the 'Authorization' tab and choose OAuth2 as your authorization type.

4. Click on the 'Get New Access Token' button to generate an access token.

5. Select the downloaded Postman collection file or manually import the collection.

6. Run the request by clicking on the 'Run' button.

Why Does the Data Ingestion API Have 2 Steps to Upload a File?

The Data Ingestion API has two steps to upload a file: first, you need to generate an access token using your refresh token, and then you can upload the file. This is because the API requires additional authentication and authorization checks before allowing you to upload files.

Tracking Uploaded Files with Postman

To track uploaded files using Postman, simply query the API endpoint for new exported files. You can also use the 'Request History' tab in Postman to view a list of all requests made to the API, including any file uploads.

Best Practices for Downloading Files from APIs

When downloading files from APIs, it's essential to ensure that your registered app has the correct value for the callback URL. Additionally, make sure that the X3 user you're using for pairing has the correct security profile.

In conclusion, Postman is a powerful tool for downloading files from APIs. By following these steps and best practices, you can efficiently download files from APIs and streamline your API interactions.

Postman download file from api