BigParser API powered by Artificial Intelligence & Grids

Let’s help you get started with understanding the BigParser API basics and how to use it.

1. BigParser API Introduction

BigParser API is incredibly powerful and simple to use. It helps you easily store data in as files and easily retrieve data with a simple search based API call.
The API is RESTful. All methods must be called using HTTPS. Arguments can be passed as GET or POST params, or a mix common GET and POST methods. The response contains a JSON object. This object will always have a boolean property ok = true; for success, or ok = false; for failure. In case of failure, the error property will contain the appropriate error code.

Is BigParser API right for me?

BigParser API is for you if you are working on one or more of these areas:
a) Creating a Mobile App, that requires you to store data in a file or database
b) Creating an Alexa Skill, that requires you to store data for your app in a file or database
c) Creating a Chatbot, that requires you to have a file or database
d) Creating a Custom app, for Devices like, Raspberry Pi, Oculus, Microsoft Hololens or other.

Why should i use it?

BigParser API allows you to cut down 80% of the effort involved in writing a data driven app.

a) Reusable Community (Data) Models : Some people, don’t given enough time at this step, and eventually their app gets complex.
This task could be cut down by 80% to 100%, if you simply use an existing Community Grid. The model is already defined, at best you may need to add a few columns or rows.

b) Data as a Service : The Grids within BigParser already have the data, so you don’t need to Find and Store Data. As a Grid Creator you can easily use available tools to quickly crawl and connect data on the web to your Grid.

c) No SQL, Really! : There are plenty of No-SQL databases out there, but you still need to write SQL or Queries to retrieve your data. BigParser removes the need for writing SQL, for real.

BigParser API makes life simple, cuts down 80% of the effort and time needed to write a data driven app.

2. API Documentation

There are four important pieces understanding and using the BigParser API.

a) API Starter Pack : A detailed document that tells you how to get your computer set-up, download the right tools and get started with using the API.

b) API Overview : This is a detailed document which contains all the information about the different BigParser API methods and how to use them

c) API Developer Guide: This is a detailed document which explains how to build Mobile Apps, Alexa Skills, Chatbots and more using the BigParser API

d) API Sandbox Service: This is a browser based tool that lets you try out the various API Functions. You can simply input the request and the response.

3. How to Call

You can call the API using a REST client or library depending on the language you use.

4. Other Tips for BigParser Developers!

Here are some handy links that will help you as a BigParser Developer.

a) Grid Creator Tips : These Tips will help you understand how you can create grids for your app, if the data you need is not already available as a community grid.

b) API Param Descriptions : Read this to understand quickly the frequently used and important params you must know, to effectively use the BigParser API.

c) Sample OpenSource Code: You can quickly get started with Sample Open Source / Community Code. This code is not provided by BigParser but is open source community code, that developers of the community generally use when creating grids or building apps.

d) Get Twitter Data: Here is an example of a script that people use this to download data from Twitter to a CSV and then use Auth.py for incremental updates to the Google Sheet and Sync.py to push your data to the BigParser API. The recommended option is to write an oauth based real time connector using the Twitter API and the BigParser Connector API.

Keep an eye out for our related posts coming soon:

Tips for Grid Creators
HackTJ FAQs
Writing Apps with BigParser