In today’s interconnected world, application programming interfaces (APIs) play a crucial role in enabling seamless communication and data exchange between different systems. However, integrating APIs into traditional IBM i programs has often been a complex and challenging task. That’s where Profound API comes in. Profound API is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of creating and consuming APIs, specifically designed for IBM i programs. In this blog post, we will explore how Profound API makes it effortless to integrate with external APIs, using the example of FedEx shipping integration.
Understanding Profound API:
Profound API is a comprehensive solution that empowers developers to interact with external APIs without the need for intricate coding or extensive knowledge of API protocols. It provides a user-friendly and low-code interface that streamlines the process of creating, managing, and consuming APIs. By automatically generating code snippets, developers can effortlessly integrate them into RPG programs, making Profound API an invaluable tool for those working on IBM i platforms.
Low-Code Designer:
With the Low Code designer, you can create program logic effortlessly by utilizing drag-and-drop and point-and-click actions. The designer encompasses an extensive selection of pre-built components and actions, such as conditional statements, loops, database operations, API integrations, and more. By adopting this visual approach, users are relieved from the burden of manual code writing, enabling them to concentrate on business logic and application behavior, instead of dealing with syntax and programming details.
The building process is guided by a series of questions that assist you in creating each step. These questions offer drop-down menus and options that expand dynamically based on the properties you adjust and the logic you build.
Extensibility:
In addition to Low Code steps, Profound API provides hybrid development, allowing you to write your own code or leverage over 2,000,000 NPM packages from the free open-source NPM Registry. You have the flexibility to seamlessly incorporate custom Node.js steps alongside your low code steps and execute them together.
Seamless Integration with IBM i Programs:
One of the standout features of Profound API is its seamless integration with IBM i programs. Traditional RPG programs can easily leverage the capabilities of external APIs through the creation of modules within Profound API. This integration enables developers to extend the functionality of their existing RPG programs and unlock a world of possibilities. Moreover, Profound API automatically generates an RPG code snippet that can be pasted directly into any RPG program. This enables direct invocation of the Profound API module, complete with support for input and output parameters, as well as all RPG datatypes, including Data Structures.
FedEx Integration: Simplifying Shipping Needs:
To illustrate the capabilities of Profound API, let’s examine an instance where it integrates with FedEx’s API to facilitate direct control over shipping requirements from RPG programs. Consider a scenario where a sales representative receives an order from a customer. The representative must input the order details into the order system and then arrange for product shipment. Presently, this involves an additional step of contacting the shipping provider or entering a shipment request on a website. However, with Profound API, developers can effortlessly create modules that consume FedEx’s API and seamlessly incorporate shipping functionality into their existing RPG programs. This integration empowers organizations to streamline their shipping processes, automate label generation, track shipments, and more, all directly from within their RPG programs.
How Profound Logic Can Help:
- Simplified Integration: Profound API eliminates the complexities of API integration, allowing developers to focus on building robust solutions rather than dealing with low-level API details.
- Increased Efficiency: By seamlessly integrating external APIs into IBM i programs, Profound API enables organizations to automate processes, reducing manual efforts and increasing overall efficiency.
- Extending RPG Programs: Profound API empowers developers to enhance the functionality of their RPG programs, enabling them to connect with a wide range of APIs and leverage additional services.
- Accelerated Development: The user-friendly, low-code interface of Profound API expedites the development process, significantly reducing the time-to-market for implementing new features and applications.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Profound API provides flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and scales effortlessly as requirements grow, ensuring long-term viability and sustainability.
Profound API simplifies integration for IBM i developers, enabling them to effortlessly create and consume APIs within their RPG programs. With its seamless integration capabilities, developers can connect with external APIs like FedEx, simplifying shipping processes and expanding the functionality of their applications. By leveraging Profound API, organizations can unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
If you need to integrate with FedEx or other external API, Profound API provides the tools you need to produce a simple, efficient integration. Contact Profound Logic Software at sales@profoundlogic.com to get started today.
