API Integration
What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It’s a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It provides a standardized way for different software components to interact.
When we talk about an API integration, it means that two separate systems share data or functionality through their APIs. This enables data or actions from one application to be sent to another.
For example:
Sitedish integrates with various accounting systems. By having an API integration between Sitedish and these systems, delivery & takeaway orders can be automatically synchronized with the accounting system without manual input. The API integration then facilitates streamlined data exchange between the two systems.
What can you do with Sitedish’s API integration?
- Live retrieval of all orders (including order status) from your restaurant, enabling a wide range of analyses.
- Retrieval of your menu, allowing for example the use of digital screens showcasing the menu in your restaurant.
- Retrieval of your accounting data, opening up possibilities for various analyses.
- Retrieval of reviews.
OAuth2 protocol
To access the Sitedish API system, the OAuth2 protocol is used.
This protocol controls the actions an API can perform after a user has given permission. The main advantage is that user login credentials are not shared between the user and the API, enhancing security. Here’s a brief and simple explanation:
- 1
Purpose: OAuth2 allows the API to access certain resources on a server on behalf of a user, without needing the user’s login credentials.
- 2
Authorization: It starts with a user granting permission for the API to do certain things, done through authorization requests.
- 3Token issuance: After the user grants permission, the API receives access tokens. These tokens are used to access secure resources on the server.
- 4Token usage: The API uses these tokens to perform specific actions on behalf of the user, such as retrieving data.
- 5Scope: It specifies the specific actions the application can perform with the obtained tokens.
Sitedish Integrations
Over the years, Sitedish has attracted various partners, many of whom have an API integration with Sitedish. Sitedish’s clients (delivery & takeaway restaurants) then utilize these integrations.