Electronic Signature Features API Catalog
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What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of intermediary software (code, tools, and protocols) that allows applications to interact with each other and exchange data. When one application requires certain data or functionality provided by another program, it sends a request to the latter by calling its API. The API enables the requesting app to specify what data or functionality is required and how exactly it must be delivered. The API also enables another application to interpret these requirements. As a result, the other application responds by returning the requested information or functionality.
How to integrate electronic signatures with your app?
airSlate SignNow makes it easy for developers to build custom eSignature workflows within their own applications and websites. Our self-service API is perfect for those who prefer having hands-on experience with a product before buying it. airSlate SignNow makes a customer’s journey to their first API call as short and hassle-free as possible. We offer a straightforward signup process so you don’t have to contact a sales team if you don’t want to. We provide comprehensive SDKs, detailed documentation, a sandbox environment, and unlimited apps for testing our API. Along with a free trial experience, airSlate SignNow offers competitively priced subscription plans that scale with your needs and usage volumes (based on how many eSignature invites per year you send). The first step toward integrating eSignatures with your app is starting your airSlate SignNow API free trial. Once you have tested its capabilities, you can move on to the production environment at your own pace.
What can you do with the airSlate SignNow eSignature API?
The airSlate SignNow API allows you to prepare documents for signing (by adding fillable fields and setting signer roles), send documents for signature to one or multiple recipients, check the completion status of documents, download signed files, and so on – all without leaving your own application or website. In other words, there’s no need to use the airSlate SignNow web app or mobile app. Instead, your clients can sign documents and collect signatures inside your own application by means of the airSlate SignNow API.
How to test an API?
API testing is one of the crucial steps on the way to building an integration. Among the key benefits of the airSlate SignNow API are its simplicity of testing and initial setup. There’s no need to contact the support or sales team to see how the API works. Simply create a sandbox account, run a test app, and try the essential API calls for free. Once you are ready to take it to the next level, subscribe to the API plan that matches your needs and start building your eSignature integrations right away.
How to create an API sandbox?
Head over to the airSlate SignNow developers page, provide your business email address, and click Try API for free. An email notification with an activation link will be sent to your inbox. Follow the link and create a password to access your personal API dashboard where you can add your application and test basic API calls.
What is an API dashboard?
The airSlate SignNow API dashboard is the best place to start exploring the capabilities of the eSignature API. Use the dashboard to create a test app or add your own application, generate API keys, monitor API logs, manage webhooks and usage plans, etc. To access the API dashboard, log in to your airSlate SignNow account and click API in the left-hand navigation sidebar.
How to send a test eSignature request via an API?
Open the airSlate SignNow API dashboard and go to the Keys tab. Create a test app and check your Client ID, Client Secret, and Basic Authorization Token. Generate a Bearer access token using an API management app such as Postman, Swagger, etc. In the Code Examples section of the API dashboard, find two test documents. Select either of them. Then, copy the suggested cURL from the box and run the code with your API management app. Check your email. The test eSignature request will be in your inbox.
What is an SDK?
An SDK is a Software Development Kit. It includes APIs, code samples, libraries, protocols, testing tools, development environments, documentation, and other instruments that allow developers to build applications for specific software platforms. In other words, it is a comprehensive set of tools that empowers developers to easily adopt an application’s API and reduce development time. airSlate SignNow provides user-friendly SDKs in five programming languages, including PHP, Java, C#, Python, and Node.js. With the help of these SDKs, developers enable their own customers to sign documents, request eSignatures, and build role-based workflows with multiple signers using the airSlate SignNow functionality.
What is the difference between a REST API and a SOAP API?
REST and SOAP are two different types of API architecture. REST is a set of principles that guide data transfers between the client and server, allowing web applications to interact with each other. REST is used to build quick, lightweight, and scalable APIs that exchange information using the HTTP protocol. SOAP, on the other hand, is used to transmit data between computers through XML. Due to strict guidelines on the contents of a message and how it must be delivered, SOAP is considered to be more secure than REST. However, it is also slower and code-heavier, which makes it somewhat more challenging to implement. The airSlate SignNow eSignature API supports both REST and SOAP services. Hence, developers can build their integrations with greater flexibility, depending on their requirements and use cases.