REST API integration in Adalo allows your app to connect with external services and data sources using standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PATCH, and DELETE. By leveraging Adalo's External Collections, you can treat external APIs as native app data, enabling full CRUD functionality for lists, forms, and actions - all without coding. Here's what you need to know:
- Setup Requirements: Adalo's Professional, Team, or Business plans are required. APIs must return JSON data and use numeric IDs.
- Key Features: Adalo's visual builder simplifies endpoint mapping, while tools like Magic Text dynamically link API responses to your app's UI.
- Advanced Options: Combine Adalo with DreamFactory to connect legacy systems or unsupported databases by generating REST APIs automatically.
- Authentication: Supports API keys, Bearer tokens, and dynamic user-specific data using headers or query parameters.
- Performance Tips: Reduce API calls, enable caching, and streamline payloads to improve app responsiveness.
This guide covers setup steps, troubleshooting, and optimizing API performance for seamless integration.
Beginners guide to Using External API in Adalo
Setting Up REST API Integration in Adalo
REST API Integration Setup Process in Adalo - 5 Key Steps
Prerequisites for API Integration
Before connecting a REST API to your Adalo app, there are a few key requirements to keep in mind. First, External Collections are only accessible with Adalo's Professional, Team, or Business plans - this feature isn’t available on the free tier.
Your external API must return data in JSON format; other formats like XML, SOAP, or non-JSON GraphQL responses aren’t supported. Additionally, Adalo only works with record IDs in number format. If your database uses UUIDs or text-based IDs, External Collections won’t function properly.
To get started, you’ll need the API’s Base URL and documentation for endpoints like Get All, Get One, Create, Update, and Delete. If you’re working with Airtable, remember that legacy API keys will no longer be valid after February 1, 2024 - you’ll need to use Personal Access Tokens instead.
It’s a good idea to test your API endpoints using Postman to ensure the URLs and headers are configured correctly. Also, make sure your external data source has at least one record with all columns populated. If any properties are empty, they might not transfer to Adalo.
Creating External Collections in Adalo
Once your API is ready, you can set up External Collections in Adalo. Head to the Database tab in your app, click "Add Collection", and choose External Collections. Enter the API’s Base URL to get started.
From there, configure the five main endpoints: Get All Records, Get One Record, Create a Record, Update a Record, and Delete a Record. Assign the appropriate HTTP methods - GET for retrieving data, POST for creating new records, PATCH/PUT for updates, and DELETE for removing records.
If your API returns data nested under a specific key (like "records" for Airtable or "resource" for DreamFactory), specify this key in the Results Key field when setting up the Get All Records endpoint. A successful connection test will reveal the available data properties.
For the Update a Record endpoint, use the PATCH method instead of PUT. PATCH allows you to update specific fields without overwriting the rest of the data in a record.
Configuring Authentication and Headers
Most APIs require some form of authentication, which often involves headers or query parameters. In Adalo, you can configure this by clicking "Add Item" in the External Collections setup. Depending on your API’s requirements, select either Header or Query Param, then enter the appropriate name and value.
For instance, Airtable requires an Authorization header with the value Bearer [API_KEY]. If you’re using DreamFactory, you’ll need a custom header like X-DreamFactory-API-Key with your API key as the value. Additionally, include a Content-Type: application/json header to specify the format of the data being sent.
If your API uses user-specific data, you can leverage Magic Text to dynamically pass values such as a user’s email or session token into headers or request bodies. This is especially helpful for user-based authentication methods like JWTs. If the API source is behind a firewall, you may also need to whitelist Adalo’s IP addresses to ensure the connection works.
Once authentication is set up, you’re ready to map API responses to app functionality in the next steps.
Defining and Testing API Endpoints
Mapping API Endpoints to App Functions
Once your External Collections are set up, the next step is linking each CRUD endpoint to its respective app function. Here's how Adalo handles these mappings:
- Get All Records: Used to populate lists with data.
- Get One Record: Displays details for a specific item.
- Create a Record: Handles form submissions to add new data.
- Update a Record: Allows users to edit existing entries.
- Delete a Record: Removes items from the database.
Each endpoint must use the appropriate HTTP method: GET for fetching data, POST for creating new records, PATCH for updates, and DELETE for removing records.
Adalo’s Magic Text feature makes API requests dynamic by allowing you to insert app data, such as user inputs or session information, directly into the request. For example, when creating a record, you can map form fields like a user's name or email to the request body.
Once you've mapped everything, test the API setup directly in Adalo to confirm it works as expected.
Testing API Integration in Adalo
To verify your connection, click Run Test. If the test is successful, you'll see the API's response, and Adalo will automatically detect the available properties based on the JSON structure. If the test fails, Adalo provides error messages to help you troubleshoot issues like incorrect headers, authentication errors, or URL problems.
Before testing in Adalo, it’s a good idea to use Postman to ensure the API works independently. Testing outside of Adalo helps you pinpoint any issues with the API itself before integrating it into your app.
Keep in mind that Adalo requires numeric IDs for data handling - it doesn’t support text-based IDs, UUIDs, or special characters in External Collections. Once your test runs successfully and the properties appear as expected, you can start using the External Collection in your app's lists, forms, and other components.
sbb-itb-d4116c7
Using DreamFactory for Advanced API Integrations
What is DreamFactory?
DreamFactory is an open-source platform that simplifies API creation by automatically generating secure and documented REST APIs for a wide range of data sources - no backend coding required. It supports over 20 databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and Snowflake, as well as file systems like AWS S3 and SFTP.
For Adalo users, DreamFactory solves the problem of integrating legacy systems and databases that were never built with modern apps in mind. For instance, it can handle large-scale databases, like a MySQL database with 4 million records, and even convert outdated SOAP services into REST APIs that Adalo can easily consume. As Spencer Nguyen, Content Moderator at DreamFactory, puts it:
"DreamFactory is like the Swiss Army knife of API management. It helps you generate REST APIs for multiple data sources without a lot of hassle".
Here’s how you can integrate DreamFactory with your Adalo app.
Integrating DreamFactory with Adalo
First, set up DreamFactory by connecting it to your database and generating the API. Define an RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) role, and create an API key. In Adalo, navigate to the Database menu and add an External Collection. Use your API Base URL (e.g., https://api.example.com/api/v2/mysql/_table/employees) and include the header X-DreamFactory-API-Key with your API key. For the "Get All" endpoint, set the Results Key to resource.
DreamFactory also features a scripting engine that supports PHP, Python, and Node.js, allowing you to add custom logic. You can validate inputs, transform complex API responses into clean JSON, or even combine multiple API calls into a single endpoint. This flexibility makes it easier to tailor integrations for your app’s specific needs.
Benefits of Using DreamFactory with Adalo
DreamFactory brings several advantages when paired with Adalo, particularly for enterprise teams managing legacy systems. This is especially helpful for Adalo Blue users integrating internal operations with existing business systems.
Enhanced Security: DreamFactory acts as a secure proxy layer, enabling fine-grained permissions like read-only access to specific tables, all tied to the API key. Plus, it automatically generates Swagger/OpenAPI documentation for each endpoint, making it straightforward to map functions in Adalo.
Improved Performance: Built-in features like database caching, connection pooling, and API rate limiting ensure smooth performance and prevent bottlenecks in your Adalo app.
Legacy System Integration: For systems lacking proper APIs, DreamFactory creates the necessary infrastructure by turning inaccessible data into production-ready APIs that Adalo can use immediately.
Error Handling and Performance Optimization
Managing errors and fine-tuning performance are essential to ensure Adalo integrates seamlessly with external APIs.
Handling API Errors and Rate Limits
Connecting a REST API to Adalo can sometimes lead to unexpected issues, but Adalo’s test connection modal provides detailed error messages straight from the API, making troubleshooting faster.
Here are some common errors you might face and how to address them:
- Authentication Failures (401/403): Double-check your headers to ensure they align with the API’s requirements outlined in the configuration section.
- Missing Resources (404): Confirm that your base URL, endpoint path, and requested record ID are correct and exist.
- Bad Requests (400): Verify the formatting of your JSON payload and ensure all required parameters are included.
- Server Errors (500): Investigate the backend status. Middleware like DreamFactory can intercept these errors and return custom messages or fallback responses to keep your app functional.
Rate limits are another critical factor. Adalo’s API enforces a limit of 5 requests per second. Exceeding this will result in a 429 status code, requiring you to implement delays before sending additional requests. Middleware solutions like DreamFactory can also help by managing requests more efficiently and preventing rate-limit breaches.
Incorrectly configuring the Results Key can lead to empty data responses. For instance, Airtable requires the key "records", while DreamFactory uses "resource" to parse JSON correctly.
Once you’ve resolved these errors, the next step is to focus on minimizing API overhead to enhance app performance.
Optimizing API Performance in Adalo
Streamlining API performance ensures your Adalo app runs smoothly and remains responsive. Start by reducing the number of API calls. Middleware like DreamFactory can consolidate responses from multiple APIs into a single endpoint, cutting down on server round-trips and reducing the risk of hitting rate limits.
Caching is another effective strategy. By enabling caching at the database or middleware level, you can avoid repeatedly fetching the same data. DreamFactory, for example, offers built-in caching and connection pooling, which can significantly reduce latency for frequently accessed datasets. This is particularly useful when working with extensive databases - DreamFactory can handle over 4 million interrelated records while maintaining mobile responsiveness.
To further enhance performance, minimize payload sizes. Use middleware to exclude unnecessary fields from API responses before they reach Adalo. DreamFactory’s post-processing scripts allow you to transform and streamline data, preventing "Large Payload" errors and speeding up load times. Advanced querying, filtering, and pagination also ensure you’re only transferring the data you need.
| Error Code | Meaning | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | Bad Request | Verify JSON formatting and required parameters |
| 401/403 | Unauthorized | Check API Key and headers (e.g., ensure "Bearer" prefix is used) |
| 404 | Not Found | Confirm Base URL, endpoint, and record existence |
| 429 | Too Many Requests | Add delays to requests; stay within the 5 requests per second limit |
| 500 | Server Error | Check backend status; use middleware for fallback responses |
Lastly, validate inputs before they hit the database using pre-process scripts. By handling logic server-side instead of within Adalo, you can keep your app lightweight and responsive.
Conclusion
With Adalo, connecting REST APIs becomes a straightforward way to build data-driven apps without needing backend code. Using External Collections, you can seamlessly integrate external data into your app, enabling full CRUD operations across lists, forms, and actions. For more tailored interactions, Custom Actions provide the flexibility to define specific behaviors.
Adalo’s platform takes the complexity out of API integration. Its visual interface makes it easy to map API endpoints to app functions, while Magic Text binds data directly to UI components. Plus, you can test connections in real time, ensuring everything works as expected. This streamlined process allows entrepreneurs to launch functional apps in just a few days. For those dealing with legacy databases, DreamFactory integration serves as a bridge, connecting systems like the MySQL Employees sample database - containing nearly 4 million interrelated records - with Adalo’s frontend.
Before diving in, make sure your Adalo plan includes support for External Collections and Custom Actions. Tools like Postman can help you test endpoints and confirm JSON compatibility. Once everything is set up, whether you’re building mobile interfaces for existing data or creating internal apps with SSO and enterprise-level permissions through Adalo Blue, the platform handles authentication, app store publishing, and more - all from a single codebase. By combining tools like External Collections and DreamFactory, Adalo offers a complete API integration solution. Start small, test thoroughly with the built-in connection modal, and stay within the 5 requests per second rate limit to ensure smooth performance.
FAQs
What advantages does DreamFactory offer when integrating with Adalo?
Integrating DreamFactory with Adalo streamlines the process of connecting to external data sources by automating the creation and management of secure REST APIs. With tools like role-based access controls, API key management, and detailed logging, it ensures your data connections are both secure and efficient.
By simplifying complex data workflows, this integration enhances security and reliability, freeing you up to concentrate on building and scaling your app without unnecessary delays.
What are the best practices for improving API performance in Adalo?
To make your Adalo app's API interactions faster and smoother, consider these practical tips:
- Set up rate limiting and throttling: This helps control traffic and prevents your API from being overwhelmed by too many requests at once.
- Optimize your queries and filters: Focus on fetching only the data you actually need. This reduces unnecessary processing and speeds up response times.
- Utilize scripting tools for automation: Tools like DreamFactory can simplify data transformation and handle complex integrations efficiently, saving you time and effort.
These strategies can significantly enhance the performance of your API within Adalo apps.
What types of authentication can I use when integrating REST APIs with Adalo?
Adalo's REST API integration includes support for API key authentication, offering a secure way to manage access to your API endpoints.
By using an API key, you can ensure that only authorized users or systems have the ability to interact with your app's data. This method provides a simple yet effective layer of security for your API.
Related Blog Posts
