What is eCommerce API?
eCommerce APIs are used by developers for transferring the specific info from one software to another one. For example, when the B2B software providers who work with e-retailers need to access the data from particular shopping platforms, they need to develop the API integration with them.
API or Application Programming Interface acts as an intermediary between various digital products and applications. The API works as a messenger. It delivers a particular request to the other app and then comes back with the answer.
API request happens when the developer adds the endpoint to the URL and performs a call to the server. The API response is received after the making of the API request. Usually, it can be in XML or JSON format.
eCommerce API integration means the process of tying the various software solutions or applications with the purpose of sharing the data between them. API integration allows software developers to get access to all the needed data from the required solution and manage it by their systems.
The development of the eCommerce API integration with shopping platforms like Magento, Shopify, OpenCart, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, WP e-Commerce, etc. requires high-quality specialists, previous investigations, a lot of time and further maintenance and upgrading. It is a technically complex process that can cost thousands of dollars if performed in-house. That is why more and more B2B software solutions choose to use third-party services for the development of API integration as they can help them to save their money and time.
More detailed info about the eCommerce API and eCommerce API integration development you can find in the infographic below.
Most Popular eCommerce APIs of 2022
The most popular eCommerce APIs list includes Magento API, Shopify API, Ecwid API, WooCommerce API, Amazon API, eBay API, Etsy API. Let's explore them in detail.
Magento API allows developers to access the needed data from Magento stores. Magento supports REST and SOAP APIs. Performing requests and receiving the responses are possible with the help of using the HTTP protocol.
Shopify API also enables developers to retrieve the data from Shopify stores. It supports XML and JSON formats. Shopify API works with HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
Ecwid API is a REST API. It allows developers to easily read, create, update, and delete Ecwid store data. For example, such data includes store categories, products, orders, coupons, etc.
WooCommerce API is a REST API that allows creating, reading, updating, and deleting WooCommerce data. It supports JSON format.
The Amazon API provides a set of tools to access and manipulate data related to listings, products, payments, and more. It also lets you retrieve reviews and seller information. The API only supports CSV files or XML for communication, so it requires some programming knowledge to use.
eBay's API is widely used. However, it has its unique features. eBay's data formats are not uniform; various resources like products, customers, and orders have different data formats. eBay's API documentation does not always provide the answers to developers' questions. Most often, these answers are found in forums on the eBay Developers site.
The Etsy eCommerce API for developers enables them to read and write data from stores via a RESTful interface while using lightweight JSON formatted entities. The Etsy API's OAuth method enables authentication of users, after which developers are able to use the GET (reads a resource), POST (creates a new resource), PUT (updates a resource), and DELETE (deletes a resource) methods for output.
API Integration Development With eCommerce Platforms
In addition, there are a great number of eCommerce APIs. Most software developers need to be able to interact with all of them. The easiest way to do it is to use API2Cart. So, let's explore how to develop eCommerce API integration via this service.
API2Cart is a perfect solution for those software companies which operates in the sphere of:
- shipping management
- warehouse management
- marketing automation
- order and inventory management
- ERP
- dropshipping automation
- POS
- mobile app development
- localization
- repricing and price optimization
- and others
The main benefits of API2Cart:
- more than 40+ shopping platforms and marketplaces are available for the integration with
- more than 100 API methods that are provided for managing the data retrieved from the shopping platforms
- detailed API documentation
- no need to maintain each connection separately
- high level of the data security
- 24/7 customer support by phone, chat, email
With API2Cart unified API, you will be able to connect your software with the most popular shopping platforms at once. For example, it will be possible for you to integrate your solution with Magento, Shopify, OpenCart, WooCommerce, Ecwid and the other eCommerce platforms via just one integration. Also, API2Cart provides easy and fast integration with well-known around the globe marketplaces. For instance, it includes the following marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Walmart.
API2Cart has flexible pricing that depends on the number of connected stores and the quantity of the required API requests.
Conclusion
So, an eCommerce API enables software developers to connect their systems to different shopping platforms, transfer and manage data from e-shops built on them.
You can develop the eCommerce API integration with dozens of shopping platforms in less than 30 days with the help of API2Cart unified API. This eCommerce unified API connects your software with more than 40 platforms and marketplaces at once, allowing you to retrieve, add, and delete data easily. More detailed information you can get by scheduling a quick call with API2Cart managers.
Moreover, you can test the service absolutely for free and see how it works for your business simply registering your free account right now. After the registration, you will be able to add your client's online stores based on any shopping platform and start managing their data. It includes the data on products, orders, prices, e-store visitors and customers, shipping info, etc. Don't miss your chance to connect your software to multiple eCommerce platforms' APIs easily and fast just via one integration. We are ready to answer all your questions by phone, email, or chat 24/7.
