User:Pavithraes/Sandbox/API:FAQ

Overview
This page provides answers to some frequently asked questions about MediaWiki Action API. Use the table of contents to skip to the questions most relevant to you.

Also read the API:Main page. It answers some questions not answered here and points to other useful pages.

What is the MediaWiki Action API?
The MediaWiki Action API is a RESTful  web service that allows users to perform multiple wiki-actions like page creation, authentication, parsing, searching, etc.

What can I do using the API?
The MediaWiki Action API can be used to access various wiki features as mentioned in the sidebar on the right. See some projects using the API here: API:Tutorial

How can I use the API?
The most common ways of using the Action API are:
 * To make HTTP requests and get back responses. Enable your browser's developer console and watch net requests to  as you interact with the wiki. See API:Tutorial for detailed instructions.
 * Play with the API at Special:ApiSandbox.

How do I know which parameter, module and submodule to call?
- Search for the task you want to perform on the sidebar for - The auto-generated documentation gives a brief outline of each parameter, module and submodule - Get help section

Can I control the output format?
Yes! Pass &format=someformat in the query string. The most common formats are JSON and XML. See other data formats: API:Data_formats.

Where can I find examples?
This documentation or autogen docs(scroll down). Play with API sandbox?

Do I need an access token?
For particular tasks, yes. Not for all. here’s how to get it.

Is there a limit to API calls?
Yes. A regular user 500, bots and admins 5000?

What are wiki dumps?
Wikimedia’s data dumps are dumps of wiki collections, search indices, etc. More info see: meta:Data_dumps

How can I work on dumps?
meta:Data_dumps

What is pageid? (and related terms)
Link to Manual tables

Where can I find more information?
Documentation,

What does this error mean?
See Errors and warnings.