Today CNET launched the beta version of its new API service. Referred to as the CNET API, this service will make a wealth of data available to the mashup community in the creation of rich consumer sites. The initial dataset will include CNET’s full catalog of technology products and software titles. This is the same dataset that drives the highly trafficked sites of CNET Reviews, Shopper.com and Download.com. Over time, the API will add news articles, community content, blog posts and full product reviews.

The API is designed for easy data discovery and integration. The interface is REST-based, supporting both XML and JSON response formats. It has undergone extensive performance optimization, in order to ensure rapid response times. To simplify query creation, a tool called the Dashboard is available that allows the user to interactively select data sets to include in the response stream. Once the user is satisfied with the data set, the tool will provide the query URL that would return the desired results. This should greatly speed query development and reduce query formatting errors.

In order to access the API, simply go the Dashboard page at http://api.cnet.com/dashboard.html. Developers can begin traversing the data available and form queries for retrieval. There is a contact link on the Dashboard page. CNET welcomes developer feedback on the API — its structure, ease of use and support. As use of the API grows, CNET will continue to expand the breadth of data available through it.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 1st, 2007 at 6:04 pm and is filed under CNET API. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.