How to Monitor JSON Responses with Pinghome: Custom API Checks Made Simple

APIs are the invisible threads that weave together the fabric of modern digital experiences. From processing online orders to real-time stock updates, they ensure seamless operations—but what happens when an API fails? Delayed orders, frustrated customers, and business disruptions. That’s where tools like Pinghome come in

With a monitoring solution like Pinghome with a customizable API monitoring function, you can select the exact JSON attributes you want to track, set conditions based on your specific requirements and receive alerts when the responses do not meet the desired criteria.

As you read further, you will gain insights into API and JSON responses and how to monitor them effectively using Pinghome. For developers seeking technical guidance, Pinghome's Public API Documentation provides comprehensive examples and details to help you get started.

Understanding API And JSON Responses

API is an acronym for Application Programming Interface. It is a communication pathway used by two different software to interact with each other. For example, the stock market app uses API to receive real-time data on stock prices, price fluctuations and market trends. They communicate or receive data from financial providers such as Bloomberg and AlphaSense.

Just like every communication is done in a language, API also requires a format for data transmission. JSON, which stands for JavaScript Object Notation, has become the developer's favourite data format for the following reasons:

1. 1. Lightweight: JSON structure offers a simpler and faster means to transmit data due to its small size compared to other response bodies.




2. 2. Wide Compatibility: Most programming languages have built-in libraries, making it easy to parse and read JSON without requiring users to write additional code.




3. 3. Flexibility: JSON accommodates multiple data types such as Boolean, strings, array and key-value pairs. It also supports nested structures.

A JSON object structure is made up of one or more key-value pairs. The key is a String, which serves as the unique identifier, also called a property. The value can be any data type, such as number, string, array, or null. The key-value pairs should be enclosed within a curly bracket {}. Here is an example of a JSON object:

The key here is the “name", while the value is "John Doe."

API checks are tests or validations performed to ensure your API is functioning as expected. It evaluates the behaviour, reliability, and performance of an API by verifying whether it meets the specified requirements and standards.

API checks are a critical component of API development and maintenance, as they ensure that the API delivers accurate data, handles errors gracefully, and provides a smooth user experience for developers and end-users relying on it.

An important aspect of API is performance testing which measures the API's speed, scalability, and ability to handle high traffic or large datasets. To continuously monitor your API performance and track API uptime, a monitoring solution such as Pinghome is necessary. To learn more about monitoring JSON responses effectively, explore Pinghome's API JSON Response Monitoring.

How To Leverage Pinghome In Monitoring Your API and JSON Responses

Pinghome is a powerful monitoring tool that allows you to create specified criteria for your API and JSON response. It then sends you a notification if there is any deviation from the expected results.

Imagine you have an online store where you sell construction materials. How do you ensure the materials, equipment, and tools on sale do not go below a particular amount?

You can achieve that by leveraging the Pinghome Condition-based Monitoring tool to set up a JSON response alerting you when you are low on required material. This is how the API response would look if you wanted to receive an alert when your cement bag quantity is less than 25.

Pinghome website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. 1. Log in to your Pinghome account and select "Uptime Monitoring" from the dashboard.
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3. 2. Click on "Add JSON Monitoring."
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5. 3. Fill in the following fields:
   • API URL: [Provide your endpoint]
   • Condition: Select "Alert when JSON values do not match."
   • Key: materials[0].current_stock
   • Operator: Set to "less than or equal to" (<=)
   • Value: Enter "30" as the threshold
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7. 4. Optional: Rename the resource to "cement quantity" for clarity.
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9. 5. Choose the locations to monitor from.
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11. 6. Click "Start Monitoring."

Whenever there is a deviation from the preset condition above, i.e. the cement bag quantity is less than 30, the team would receive an instant notification.

With Pinghome's custom API checks, you can monitor crucial information such as stock quantity, currency rates and get alerts when the JSON data deviate from your set conditions. You also get to choose the way you get alerted, whether via Slack or email or call, there is a wide variety of communication channels to choose from.

Importance of Monitoring Your API and JSON Responses

Condition-based monitoring allows you to adjust JSON attributes to fit varying business needs. Leaving your API and JSON response unchecked is equivalent to exposing your system to risks and potential issues. Here are the benefits you will enjoy by consistently monitoring your JSON response data:

1. 1. Improve Your System Uptime: Pinghome alerts you whenever an unexpected result occurs, allowing you to resolve the issue early before it disrupts your workflow.
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3. 2. Enhance Data Accuracy: Monitoring your JSON response data lets you identify any anomaly in key data points that could affect your operation or reporting.
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5. 3. Promote Data Security: When monitoring your sensitive data, you can identify any weakness in its privacy or regulatory standard and fix it. This makes it difficult to have unauthorized access or unexpected data exposure.
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7. 4. Facilitate Proactive maintenance: You can set alerts for when a value reaches or exceeds a certain level, e.g. if a product quantity reduces to less than 20 (watch the YouTube video here). This allows you to take immediate response and manage the risk before it affects the overall operation.
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9. 5. Increase in Revenue: Monitoring your API and JSON response data increases the uptime of your services and helps provide your customers with a suitable experience, leading to an increase in revenue.

Wrapping Up

Monitoring your API and JSON response helps ensure your data is accurate and error-free, saving you from unnecessary disruptions in your business operations and helping to improve service delivery.

With a powerful monitoring tool like Pinghome, you can verify if the responses meet your desired criteria, and if they don't, you will be notified for immediate response.

Don’t wait for disruptions to strike. With Pinghome’s custom API checks, you can catch issues before they impact your business. Start your free trial today and keep your operations running smoothly!