The Problem with Private APIs

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

Introduction

When working with private APIs, it can be challenging to integrate them into real-world applications without compromising the user experience. Private APIs can be complex and require significant overhead, making it difficult for developers to focus on the core functionality of their app. In this article, we will explore a solution to extract private API to an external repo, making it easier to manage and integrate into your application.

The Problem with Private APIs

Private APIs can be a significant pain point for developers, especially when working on real-world applications. They can be complex, require significant overhead, and can make it difficult to focus on the core functionality of the app. When private APIs are not properly managed, it can lead to a range of issues, including:

Complexity: Private APIs can be complex and require significant overhead, making it difficult for developers to focus on the core functionality of the app.
Maintenance: Private APIs can be difficult to maintain, especially when they are not properly documented or tested.
Integration: Private APIs can be challenging to integrate into real-world applications, especially when they require significant overhead.

A Solution: Extracting Private API to External Repo

One solution to the problem of private APIs is to extract them to an external repo. This approach allows developers to manage and maintain private APIs separately from the main application, making it easier to focus on the core functionality of the app.

Step 1: Extract Private API to Separate Project

The first step in extracting private API to an external repo is to create a separate project for the private API. This project should contain all the necessary code and resources for the private API, including any dependencies or libraries required.

Step 2: Save Private API Data to JSON Log File

Once the private API is extracted to a separate project, the next step is to save the private API data to a JSON log file. This file should contain all the necessary data for the private API, including any configuration or settings required.

Step 3: Write NodeJS Script to Boot Up Simulator and Run Project

The next step is to write a NodeJS script to boot up a simulator and run the project. This script should be able to run the project and generate the necessary data for the private API.

Step 4: Update Main Repo with New JSON File

Once the NodeJS script has completed and generated the necessary data for the private API, the next step is to update the main repo with the new JSON file. This file should contain all the necessary data for the private API, including any configuration or settings required.

Step 5: Use New JSON File in Main Repo

The final step is to use the new JSON file in the main repo. This file should contain all the necessary data for the private API, including any configuration or settings required.

Benefits of Extracting Private API to External Repo

Extracting private API to an external repo has several benefits, including:

Simplified Maintenance: By extracting private API to an external repo, developers can simplify maintenance and reduce the complexity of the main application.
Improved Integration: By extracting private API to an external repo, developers can improve integration and make it easier to focus on the core functionality of the app.
Reduced Overhead: By extracting private API to an external repo, developers can reduce overhead and make it easier to manage and maintain private APIs.

Conclusion

Extracting private API to an external repo is a solution to the problem of private APIs in real-world applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, developers can simplify maintenance, improve integration, and reduce overhead. Whether you are working on a small project or a large-scale application, extracting private API to an external repo can help you focus on the core functionality of your app and deliver a better user experience.

Example Use Case: NotchMyProblem

NotchMyProblem is a real-world application that uses private APIs to calculate the notch on a device. By extracting the private API to an external repo, developers can simplify maintenance, improve integration, and reduce overhead. The example use case below demonstrates how to extract the private API to an external repo and use it in the main repo.

Example Use Case: BezelKit

BezelKit is a real-world application that uses private APIs to calculate the bezel on a device. By extracting the private API to an external repo, developers can simplify maintenance, improve integration, and reduce overhead. The example use case below demonstrates how to extract the private API to an external repo and use it in the main repo.

Code Example: Extracting Private API to External Repo

Below is an example code snippet that demonstrates how to extract private API to an external repo:

// Extract private API to separate project
let privateApiProject = "PrivateAPIProject"

// Save private API data to JSON log file
let jsonLogFile = "private_api_data.json"

// Write NodeJS script to boot up simulator and run project
let nodeJsScript = "nodejs_script.js"

// Update main repo with new JSON file
let mainRepo = "MainRepo"

// Use new JSON file in main repo
let newJsonFile = "new_private_api_data.json"

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the solution of extracting private API to an external repo, making it easier to manage and integrate into your application. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about extracting private API to an external repo.

Q: What is the main benefit of extracting private API to an external repo?

A: The main benefit of extracting private API to an external repo is to simplify maintenance and reduce the complexity of the main application. By extracting private API to an external repo, developers can focus on the core functionality of the app and deliver a better user experience.

Q: How do I extract private API to an external repo?

A: To extract private API to an external repo, you need to follow these steps:

Extract the private API to a separate project.
Save the private API data to a JSON log file.
Write a NodeJS script to boot up a simulator and run the project.
Update the main repo with the new JSON file.
Use the new JSON file in the main repo.

Q: What is the difference between a private API and a public API?

A: A private API is a set of APIs that are not publicly accessible and are used internally within an application. A public API, on the other hand, is a set of APIs that are publicly accessible and can be used by external applications.

Q: Can I use a private API in a public application?

A: Yes, you can use a private API in a public application, but you need to make sure that the private API is properly secured and protected from unauthorized access.

Q: How do I secure a private API?

A: To secure a private API, you need to implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as OAuth or JWT. You also need to ensure that the private API is properly encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.

Q: Can I use a public API in a private application?

A: Yes, you can use a public API in a private application, but you need to make sure that the public API is properly secured and protected from unauthorized access.

Q: How do I integrate a public API into a private application?

A: To integrate a public API into a private application, you need to follow these steps:

Register for an API key or token with the public API provider.
Use the API key or token to authenticate with the public API.
Use the public API to retrieve the necessary data or perform the necessary actions.

Q: What are some best practices for extracting private API to an external repo?

A: Some best practices for extracting private API to an external repo include:

Use a separate project for the private API.
Use a JSON log file to store the private API data.
Use a NodeJS script to boot up a simulator and run the project.
Use proper authentication and authorization mechanisms to secure the private API.
Use proper encryption and protection mechanisms to secure the private API.

Q: Can I use a third-party library to extract private API to an external repo?

A: Yes, you can use a third-party library to extract private API to an external repo. Some popular third-party libraries for extracting private API to an external repo include:

Private API Extractor
API Extractor
Private API Manager

Conclusion

Example Use Case: Extracting Private API to External Repo with Private API Extractor

Below is an example use case that demonstrates how to extract private API to an external repo using Private API Extractor:

// Import Private API Extractor library
import PrivateAPIExtractor

// Extract private API to separate project
let privateApiProject = "PrivateAPIProject"

// Save private API data to JSON log file
let jsonLogFile = "private_api_data.json"

// Write NodeJS script to boot up simulator and run project
let nodeJsScript = "nodejs_script.js"

// Update main repo with new JSON file
let mainRepo = "MainRepo"

// Use new JSON file in main repo
let newJsonFile = "new_private_api_data.json"

// Use Private API Extractor to extract private API to external repo
let privateApiExtractor = PrivateAPIExtractor()
privateApiExtractor.extractPrivateAPI(privateApiProject, jsonLogFile, nodeJsScript, mainRepo, newJsonFile)