SoftLayer Development Network

Adding SoftLayer to the Mac OS X Dashboard

The SoftLayer API started on the web. It was originally created to support the back end of our web portals. However, the API is an asset whose value extends beyond the web. The API is built on commonly used technologies like XML, JSON, and HTTP. As a result, it is possible to access the API from environments that are very different than that of the typical web browser. The SoftLayer Mobile Client is an excellent example.

Directory Tree in XML

As a fan of XML, the DOM, and interesting design patterns, when recently asked for a way to retrieve a representation of a public directory tree on an iPhone app, I decided to code something a little more elegant than printing raw XML or, worse, some custom format. My first assumption was that I'd be building an actual DOM tree, then outputting formatted XML from there. This way, I'd be assured my output was always valid XML.

Captured in a Gem - The SoftLayer API Client for Ruby

When I first learned about object oriented programming, many years ago, I found that the technique fit me well. I found the process of breaking a computing problem down into objects to be a natural way to analyze many of them. At the same time, my designs are never as elegant as I would like them to be in the first draft. For me, the object oriented design process involves tinkering with the design, trying a couple of iterations, and refining the deconstruction over time. I prefer to work with prototypes and explore their interaction before settling on a final implementation.

Time for a REST, Everyone

In our last post we mentioned that our API now supports a REST interface. It's really true, and it's really here! Quoth our new, fancy, manual page:

REST API URLs are structured to easily traverse SoftLayer's object hierarchy. A basic REST request is structured as follows:

It's Time to Bust out of the Private Network!

Some of you have noticed that we mentioned our new mobile clients are based on our developer API but don't require a VPN connection to our private network. Your observations are astute and indeed correct.

The SoftLayer Mobile Client: A New Perspective

Much of the development work that goes on here centers on the SoftLayer Customer Portal. The Customer Portal is a traditional Web application that links your browser to the powerful back-end systems that our engineers have crafted over the course of many years. Most of the engineers around here are first rate hands at web application technologies like PHP, JavaScript, and HTML.

Our Python client is out!

Lately I've seen a lot of people around me writing and hacking in Python. Way back when API v1 was out we noted that Python has built-in XML-RPC support. Built-in XML-RPC support is great. It makes calling our API, especially our latest API, a snap. Some of y'all on our forums have been doing very cool things with our API in Python. Python hackers and users, we've just made your lives easier.

A Conversation on API Abstraction

As a developer, I have a good relationship with the PHP community. Many of my personal friends are involved in large PHP projects all over the world. One friend in particular is the lead developer of The Easy API. It's an API wrapper that does the "hard parts" for you. Some companies release "APIs" that are confusing hodgepodges of unrelated functionality. Many times the API in question is simply a web form that developers are expected to POST to and parse poorly-formatted output.

Something new for your API Toolbox

An interesting facet of the development and systems administration business is the number of 80% projects that build up over time. An 80% project is that awesome library, script, rewrite, new system, or what have you that's cooling on your back burner. It's almost done but it's missing the finishing touches. Maybe it needs a few code tweaks. Maybe it needs a little more documentation. Maybe you're still finalizing settings and playing with patches. Don't lie; we know you've got these projects hanging around. I've got a list of 80% projects as long as my arm.

Another Expo in the Bag

After a three hour flight that took five hours from LA to Dallas I'm finally home from the Southern California Linux Expo. This was SCaLE's 8th show, an evolution that started as a meeting of Linux User Groups from the Los Angeles area that grew into one of the largest Linux, open technology, and community focused events in the region.

Getting Started with the SoftLayer API

Before You Start

Choosing a Protocol

SoftLayer's API can be accessed by SOAP, XML-RPC, or RESTful means. Choose the best protocol for your preferred language and situation. We generally recommend using our SOAP interface, as it's the most comprehensive and most easily models the API's services and data types.

table class="tabular">

Advantages Disadvantages Recommended For Recommended Languages