Basic HTTP Authentication to a RESTful API then consuming a JSON feed.

[#1]

Hi QlikView Gurus,

I'm experimenting with connecting to the Police.Uk API in order to bring back some street-level crime data into a prototype geo-location analysis.

I've got my API key and I've fallen at almost the first hurdle as I can't determine how to connect to the API via basic authentication in order to bring back the data from the web service.

Does anyone have any sample code snippets (JScript or VBScript) that might help me along?

Also - what's the community's experience of dealing with JSON output?

Rgds,

Nick

[chrisbrain]

Hi DrNick,

We are working on a new QlikView Add-on specifically designed for loading data from web APIs into QlikView. So far we have a number of connectors for things like Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Analytics & Spreadsheets, OData and more.

The idea is to make it as easy as possible to write such connectors and as such it handles a number of common tasks such as authentication, caching, converting data from JSON and XML etc.

Feel free to take a look at:

http://www.qvsource.com/wiki

If you have any .NET development skills I expect you would be able to use our SDK to build a connector - Alternatively I could take a look at the Police.UK API and see if I can build a connector for you as it would be another test of our concept.

[#3]

Hi Chris.

I'm also very interested to connect qlikview on facebook and twitter.

I launch a request on qvsource.com/wiki but I have no answser.

Is it possible to get the link to download and test the beta ?

(I am also interested to develop some connectors for some french social networks).

[chrisbrain]

Hi - Sorry about the delay, you should get your beta invite in the next few minutes.

Great that you are interested in developing some connectors - if you reply to my email I will get you set up with the SDK too.

Thanks!

[chrisbrain]

We have added a solution now for our QVSource users for consuming any XML/JSON API, it also includes the ability to add basic authentication.

http://www.qvsource.com/wiki/General-Web-Connector-For-QlikView.ashx

Would be interested in any feedback as it's just the first version.

[#6]

Hello, I'm very keen to use QVSource but when I fill out the request form, or the support form, I get a page timeout...

[chrisbrain]

Hi - Strange you get a timeout, it's a google form so it's not something our side.

Have you tried it a few times? If not could you perhaps try again in 10 minutes and if it fails let me know and I will set you up manually.

[#8]

Hi.

It's happened 4/5 times in a row now, including leaving a 10min gap.  It is possibly related to our corporate firewall if nobody else has a problem...

Appreciate it if you could set me up.

Thanks

[chrisbrain]

Sure - could you DM me your full name and email address and I will get you set up.