Introducing the Metadata API | Managing Table Schema via API

Welcome to the exciting world of Xano's Metadata API! This powerful feature allows you to programmatically manage every aspect of your Xano workspace, giving you unprecedented control and flexibility over your backend development process. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to harness the Metadata API and showcase its capabilities, focusing specifically on managing your database tables and schema.

Getting Started with the Metadata API

Before diving into the Metadata API, you'll need to generate an access token. This token ensures secure authentication and authorization for your API calls. Here's how to do it:

1. In your Xano workspace, navigate to the bottom left corner and click on "Account Settings."
2. Scroll down to the "Metadata API" section and click "Manage Access Tokens."
3. Click "Generate New Access Token" and optionally define permissions based on your team's needs.
4. Copy the generated token and store it securely, as it will only be shown once.

Exploring the Metadata API Documentation

With your access token in hand, it's time to explore the Metadata API documentation. Here's how to access it:

1. In your Xano instance, click on the "Settings" option next to your instance name.
2. Select "Metadata API" to access the Swagger documentation.

The Swagger documentation provides a comprehensive overview of all available API endpoints, including their parameters and examples. Feel free to explore and familiarize yourself with the various capabilities offered by the Metadata API.

Authenticating with the Metadata API

Before making any API calls, you'll need to authenticate with your access token:

1. In the Swagger documentation, click the "Authorize" button.
2. Paste your access token and click "Authorize."

Now you're ready to start interacting with the Metadata API!

Managing Database Tables

One of the key features of the Metadata API is the ability to programmatically manage your database tables and schema. Let's walk through a few examples:

Creating a Table

1. In the Swagger documentation, find the "Create Table" endpoint.
2. Click "Try it out" and provide your workspace ID.
3. Define the table parameters, such as name, description, and authentication settings.
4. Click "Execute" to create the table.

Adding Fields to a Table

1. Locate the "Create Field" endpoint in the documentation.
2. Click "Try it out" and provide your workspace ID and table ID.
3. Specify the field type (e.g., text, integer) and any additional parameters.
4. Click "Execute" to add the field to your table.

Browsing Table Schema

1. Find the "Browse Schema" endpoint.
2. Click "Try it out" and provide your workspace ID and table ID.
3. Click "Execute" to retrieve the table's schema.

Creating a Table with Pre-defined Schema

1. Use the "Browse Schema" endpoint to retrieve the schema of an existing table.
2. Copy the response schema.
3. Navigate to the "Create Workspace Table" endpoint.
4. Provide your workspace ID, a new table name, and paste the copied schema.
5. Click "Execute" to create a new table with the pre-defined schema.

These are just a few examples of what you can achieve with the Metadata API. The documentation provides numerous additional endpoints for updating tables, deleting tables, creating indexes, managing records, and more.

Endless Possibilities with the Metadata API

The Metadata API opens up a world of possibilities for streamlining your backend development process. Imagine being able to programmatically migrate your existing data to Xano, dynamically modify your table schema based on application requirements, or even automate the entire workspace setup process!

As Xano continues to expand the Metadata API's capabilities, you'll have even more control over your workspace. Stay tuned for future updates, and don't hesitate to share your ideas and suggestions in the comments or through the Xano community channels.

Embrace the power of no-code with Xano's Metadata API and unlock new levels of efficiency and flexibility in your backend development journey!