Application Programmer Interface
If you’ve read any of my blog I’m going to assume your a technical person and know what an API is. For those few who don’t it’s a way for programmers to tie their application into a provider and use any services that provider may allow. For example, all of the phone based Twitter applications tie into Twitter via their API. This allows the application to post, view, edit, and delete messages and all the other nifty things that Twitter allows. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve decided to incorporate a public API into Blitzaroo. Those of you with the technical prowess will be able to tie your website (or other application) into Blitzaroo with an easy to use RESTful API. I will be providing JSON and possibly XML if the demand is high enough.
For example,
http://www.blitzaroo.com/api/guilds will return a JSON/XML list of guilds along with all pertinent data. http://www.blitzaroo.com/api/guilds/view/<id> will return detailed information on that guild. The API will have similar interfaces for every facet of Blitzaroo including events, signups, character management, etc. This will, in theory, allow a third party to run a complete game management system from their own application or website. Nifty, eh?
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Nice feature, especially the ability to enumerate information so flexibly.
From my own PoV, I’d say 2 things:
1. XML output is a must if you want good uptake. Well-formatted XML data will enable people to extract what they need from the Blitzaroo and present it in any format they wish on their own portals.
2. There will need to be an option to keep such data private. For example, a PvP guild in AoC or WAR will not want their raid calendar public as to do so could forewarn opponents about timing, numbers, classes, even individuals attending the event. That would be a Bad Thing.
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1. JSON does the same thing only it’s a different format.
2. Of course. I’ll have options to toggle what information you want available.
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