Open API for front-end

[CoenDekker]

Hi,

I was wondering if it is possible to access Community data using an Open API instead of the Lithium API. This would allow to use the Lithium Community in more then just the Lithium implementations. For instance a smartphone app.

Regards,

Coen

[ClaudiusH]

Hi Coen and welcome to the Lithium Community,

Can you clarify what you mean by "Open API"? The Lithium Community API is a well defined REST API that allows you to re-create almost all parts of the community interface in your own app as well. Some of our customers did actually create various interfaces - both in apps as well as other parts of their website - using the Lithium backend and you wouldn't be able to tell.

There's even a more recent Android SDK that allows you to have that take care of authentication and session management.

One thing to keep in mind though: Access to the Lithium Community API is granted via user based permissions. While a community manager can decide to allow public access to the API even to anonymous visitors most communities have the API read permissions locked down to certain groups. You might want to work together with the community manager of your Lithium community to learn about the permission setup there.

[cike]

Hi @CoenDekker

as @ClaudiusH already wrote, Lithium API offers you many possibilities to request community data und use this in applications beside your community.

Maybe you could think about using Lithium's Endpoint concept to cluster Lithium API data requests and construct a response object for your needs. For example you could make multiple requests and let your endpoint return a JSON object.

So you're able to build a custom wrapper API or facade as you needed. 😉

Best regards,

Christian

[mike12]

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@Pruitt951 wrote:

krogerfeedback  mcdvoice

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@CoenDekker wrote:

Hi,

I was wondering if it is possible to access Community data using an Open API instead of the Lithium API. This would allow to use the Lithium Community in more then just the Lithium implementations. For instance a smartphone app.

Regards,

Coen

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Yes,  maybe you could think about using Lithium's Endpoint concept to cluster Lithium API data requests and construct a response object for your needs. For example you could make multiple requests and let your endpoint return a JSON object.

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Totally agree with you. @ClaudiusH is also correct that  Lithium API offers you many possibilities to request community data and If you are worried about authentification than Android SDK will solve that issue as well.