Description: This is a full-day, intensive, online interactive course focused on using the Dataverse Application Programming Interface (API) to interact with data archived in a Dataverse-based repository. The session will be broken into to two segments over the course of the day: 1) we will cover the basics of what an API is, how it works, and what it is used for, all set in terms of the Dataverse platform; and 2) will cover practical examples for programming with the Dataverse API using R, Python, and JavaScript (Node). Participants will have the opportunity to work hands-on with writing simple code that they will be able to build on. The goal of the course is to give participants the basic tools needed to begin to automate self-deposit to a Dataverse data repository, but also for retrieving data for secondary analysis and other reuse.  

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), routes, and endpoints as part of a data archiving and reuse/secondary analysis workflow. 
• Become familiar with some of the methods available through the Dataverse API that are analogous to functions that can be performed using the web interface, as well as some that are ONLY available using the API. 
• Understand how to read API documentation and make requests against endpoints. 
• Understand how to incorporate API calls into your data cleaning and analysis code and help you better prepare data packages for deposit in a public data repository. 
• Be regarded as a data wizard by your colleagues. 

Take-away: Working through an API allows your code to interact directly with a system or platform to perform import, export, and other functions without having to manually download or upload information through the web-based user interface. This allows for more secure data transfer, decreased possibility for human error in data analysis, organization, management, archiving, etc., and better overall replicability through your data workflow. 

NB: For one hour before the advertised start time, we will hold an open session for you to join us and get assistance with setting up your system, installing the software you need, etc. Details and software requirements will be sent by the instructor to registered participants one week before the course date.