Power Platform: APIs & JSON Parsing for Beginners
Power Platform
Jan 22, 2025 1:00 AM

Power Platform: APIs & JSON Parsing for Beginners

by HubSite 365 about Andrew Hess - MySPQuestions

Currently I am sharing my knowledge with the Power Platform, with PowerApps and Power Automate. With over 8 years of experience, I have been learning SharePoint and SharePoint Online

Citizen DeveloperPower PlatformLearning Selection

Power Automate JSON API Weather Parse Tutorial Key Themes: API Calls, JSON Parsing, Avoid Loops Products: Power Platform

Key insights

  • API (Application Programming Interface) allows software systems to communicate, often using web services like REST to send requests and receive responses in JSON format.

  • The Power Platform, including Power Automate, enables integration with APIs for data integration, extending functionality, and automation using real-time data.

  • JSON is a lightweight data structure format consisting of objects (key-value pairs) and arrays. It's used to parse API responses in Power Automate.

  • To connect to an API in Power Automate, set up an HTTP request by creating a flow and using the HTTP Action. Provide the method (GET/POST), URI, headers, and body if needed.

  • Add a Parse JSON action after the HTTP request to work with the API response. Use a JSON schema generated from sample API responses for accurate parsing.

  • Use parsed JSON fields as dynamic content in subsequent actions like sending emails or updating records. In Power Apps, create custom connectors for calling APIs and handling JSON responses efficiently.

Introduction to APIs and JSON in the Power Platform

In the ever-evolving world of technology, understanding how to leverage APIs and JSON within the Power Platform can significantly enhance your ability to automate processes and integrate data. The Power Platform, which includes Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI, offers robust capabilities for connecting with APIs and handling JSON data. In a recent YouTube video by Andrew Hess from MySPQuestions, viewers are guided through the practical steps of making an API call to a Weather API and parsing the JSON response to extract key weather details. This guide serves as an excellent starting point for beginners aiming to grasp the fundamentals of APIs and JSON in the Power Platform.

Understanding APIs and Their Role in the Power Platform

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a tool that allows software systems to communicate with each other. APIs often utilize web services, such as REST, to facilitate the exchange of requests and responses, typically in JSON format. But why are APIs crucial in the Power Platform? Firstly, they enable data integration by connecting Power Apps or Power Automate to third-party services, such as weather APIs or payment gateways. Secondly, APIs extend functionality by allowing users to add custom logic and features through external APIs. Lastly, they support automation by using real-time data from APIs to streamline processes.

Decoding JSON: The Data Format of Choice

JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is a lightweight format used to structure data. It employs a simple syntax that consists of objects and arrays. Objects are enclosed in curly braces and contain key-value pairs, while arrays are enclosed in square brackets and hold lists of objects or values. For example, a JSON object might look like this:
{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "skills": ["PowerApps", "Power Automate"]
}
Understanding JSON is crucial for working with API responses in the Power Platform, as it allows you to parse and utilize the data effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting to an API in Power Automate

The first step in working with APIs in Power Automate is setting up an HTTP request. This involves creating a flow in Power Automate and using the HTTP Action, which is a premium feature, to make an API request. You will need to provide the method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), the URI (the API endpoint URL), necessary headers (such as authorization tokens), and the body for POST or PUT methods. For instance, if you're using a free weather API, you might set up a GET request like this:
  • Method: GET
  • URI: https://api.openweathermap.org/data/2.5/weather?q=London&appid=YOUR_API_KEY

Parsing JSON in Power Automate

Once you receive a response from the API, the next step is to parse the JSON data. This is done by adding a Parse JSON action after the HTTP request. In this action, you'll select the body of the HTTP response in the Content field and paste the JSON schema in the Schema field. To generate a JSON schema, you can copy a sample response from the API and use an online tool like JSON Schema Generator. Here's an example of a JSON schema:
{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "name": { "type": "string" },
    "age": { "type": "integer" },
    "skills": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": { "type": "string" }
    }
  }
}
Parsed JSON fields then appear as dynamic content in subsequent actions, allowing you to use them in various operations like sending emails or creating items in SharePoint.

Utilizing APIs in Power Apps

In addition to Power Automate, APIs can also be used in Power Apps. This is achieved by creating custom connectors. To do this, navigate to Power Apps > Data > Custom Connectors, and create a connector for your API. Define the necessary actions and inputs, and then use the custom connector in a Power Apps app. You can call the API and handle the JSON response with formulas such as First(APIResponse.value).name.

Best Practices for API and JSON Integration

To ensure a seamless experience when integrating APIs and JSON in the Power Platform, it's essential to follow best practices. Firstly, test your APIs using tools like Postman before integrating them into your workflows. This helps identify any issues early on. Secondly, handle errors gracefully by incorporating error-handling actions in Power Automate. Lastly, secure sensitive data, such as API keys, by storing them securely using environment variables. In conclusion, understanding APIs and JSON within the Power Platform opens up a world of possibilities for extending application functionality and automating workflows efficiently. By following the steps outlined in Andrew Hess's video, beginners can gain a solid foundation in making API calls, parsing JSON responses, and leveraging this data within the Power Platform.

Power Platform - Power Platform Unleashed: Master APIs & JSON Parsing for Beginners

Keywords

Beginners Guide APIs Parse JSON Power Platform Tutorial Introduction How-to Basics