Examples
M Web API Query
Querying a Web API
M web API query fetches JSON with Web.Contents.
Introduction to M Web API Query
In Power Query M, fetching data from a web API involves using the Web.Contents function. This function allows you to access JSON data from a web service, making it an essential tool for data analysts and developers working with external data sources.
Understanding Web.Contents Function
The Web.Contents function is used to retrieve data from a specified URL. This function is versatile and can handle various HTTP operations, including GET and POST requests. It returns the raw response from the server, which can then be transformed and processed using other M functions.
Parsing JSON Data
Once you have fetched the JSON data using Web.Contents, the next step is to parse this data into a structured format that Power Query can work with. The Json.Document function is used to parse JSON text and convert it into a more usable format.
Handling Authentication
Many web APIs require authentication to access data. The Web.Contents function supports authentication options, such as passing API keys or OAuth tokens. You can include these in the request headers to ensure secure data access.
Error Handling
When working with web APIs, it's important to handle potential errors gracefully. This can include checking for HTTP status codes, handling JSON parsing errors, and implementing retries for network issues.
Conclusion
Using the Web.Contents function in M allows you to connect to web APIs and retrieve JSON data efficiently. By understanding how to configure requests and handle responses, you can integrate external data sources into your Power Query workflows effectively.
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