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Why does API have two different meanings in WellDatabase?

Every industry loves acronyms, and sometimes they overlap, creating confusion if you don’t understand the difference.

Inside WellDatabase, “API” can refer to two completely different things:

• American Petroleum Institute (API Number)
• Application Programming Interface (REST API)

This article explains the difference between the two meanings and when each one is used.

API - American Petroleum Institute (API Number) 

The most commonly referenced API in WellDatabase is the American Petroleum Institute (API) number. This is a unique numeric identifier assigned to oil and gas wells and is commonly used to search for and identify wells.
 
Here is an article on searching WellDatabase using API numbers:

API - Application Programming Interface (REST API)

The WellDatabase REST API allows users to connect WellDatabase data to internal applications, scripts, or external workflows without performing manual exports.
 
REST API access is included with Enterprise accounts. Some legacy subscription levels may also include REST API access. 
 
Here are articles that walk through how to use the REST API:

Subscription Requirements

Searching by API number Any account type, including Lite. 

 

REST API 

 

Enterprise accounts.

Some legacy subscription levels may also include REST API access. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a paid subscription to search by API number?
A: No. Searching for wells using API numbers is available with all WellDatabase account types, including Lite. API number searches do not require REST API access.

Q: What type of account do I need to use the WellDatabase REST API?
A: REST API access is included with Enterprise accounts. Some legacy subscription levels may also include REST API access. 

Explore additional articles by searching the topics on the left. If you have any questions, feel free to email support@welldatabase.com