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Story by
chaddickerson,
TechUpdates
Published on February 4, 2009 in Etsy News |
Photo by |
I just moved to NYC in September, and I am still finding my way around the subway. For a while, I carried around a paper subway map, but in the rain and snow, it quickly became tattered and was very inconvenient to unfold in a crowded rush hour train. Then one day I heard about iTrans, a subway map application for the iPhone, so I installed it on the iPhone that I carry with me everywhere. Problem solved! The iTrans app makes my iPhone even more useful and indispensible to me, yet Apple did not develop it. Apple provided a free "SDK," or "software development kit," for developers so that they could build applications like the iTrans app that I have grown to love. A developer downloaded the SDK from Apple and built this app independently. These are amazing times we live in — when the ideas and work of many can join together to provide so many more options than one company ever could! At Etsy, we're excited to be opening our doors to this type of innovation.
In the technology world, there is always a lot of talk about "platforms," "APIs" (Application Programming Interface) and "SDKs" among developers, pundits, and company executives, but when you look beyond the jargon, they are all referring the same thing: a set of tools that allow developers to build completely new products based on the unique data and capabilities provided by the platform. In the earliest days of computing, companies like IBM provided the "platform" of choice for developers building applications, but the audience for those applications was typically guys in lab coats in the basement. Fast forward to today, and we are experiencing a golden age of platforms as developers are able build applications for everyone on platforms ranging from Facebook to the iPhone. Fundamentally, the companies behind successful platforms recognize that there is untapped creativity and unmet needs beyond the four walls of a company. Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Nokia, and other household technology names all have successful developer programs because, even with their vast resources, they realize that they can't build everything customers might want or need.
I am very familiar with the way this phenomenon unfolds. Before I joined Etsy, I ran the developer program at Yahoo! and managed the release of a number of major APIs there. "I do think developers will inherit the earth" — I said that in an interview with Wired and still believe that today. When I joined Etsy, one of the things I was most excited about was the proliferation of applications created by outside developers using data available from our servers. Historically, Etsy never made it difficult to access the functions that were created to serve applications like Time Machine 2, Color Picker and Treasury, but they were all officially unsupported for outside developers. Not surprisingly, developers "found" these capabilities and began building applications and services around them.
This is a well-worn path in the recent history of web-based platforms built by even the largest and most successful companies. I am sure many of you use Google Maps and find many of the "mashups" built by developers quite useful. By the time Google released an official Google Maps API in the summer of 2005, developers had already been hacking away at the Google Maps product for months — they had "found" the hooks into the system. Google took notice and began work on an official Maps API. As the Google Maps product manager at the time said half-jokingly to Wired when Google released the Maps API: "We are doing this [release of the Maps API] because they were already doing it." Motivated by inherent curiosity and the desire to build something new, developers push the boundaries of a platform and suggest what is possible. Passionate communities form around these technology platforms. New products and services are built on these platforms, which inspire other developers. It's good for everyone.
We think a formally supported Etsy API will be good for everyone, too. To that end, I am excited and proud to say that Etsy has begun an invite-only beta test of an official API with a select group of developers. It means supporting a new type of customer in addition to the buyers and sellers on Etsy: the developer. Releasing APIs takes significant thought and follow-through. So like those before us, before releasing the API publicly, we wanted to make sure that the API had the appropriate infrastructure that developers need to make them successful. We want to have the system in place to gather the appropriate information from developers to support the higher demands third party applications place on our system. That meant creating documentation, developer key provisioning, and stable supported methods that developers can depend on. We have spent the past few months putting these features together, with the effort being led by Tom Kutter aka kutty on the Product Team and Justin Sheckler aka Stunji on the Engineering Team. In reaching out to a number of developers who have already built Etsy applications, we have spoken to them about those applications and future ones they want to build. If you are a developer and are interested in joining this early-stage beta, please email us at developer@etsy.com.
For you, the sellers and buyers of Etsy, providing a developer platform is ultimately about more choice and possibility. The beautiful thing about providing a platform is that we simply don't know what will be built on it. We provide the tools to developers and step aside to let the magic happen. In the coming weeks, you will see more activity and announcements about the public release of the API. Stay tuned — we can't wait to see what developers build on the Etsy platform.
Please also stay tuned for a general Tech Update coming soon.
| Tags | API, business, developers, Etsy.com, Etsy News, ETSY NEWS, Handmade Code, programming, resources, site features, TechUpdates, Tech Updates, tools |
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97 comments Login to add your own!
spooons
Finally! I can get some support on the API :) Thanks guys! I will be emailing ASAP!!!
CaterpillarCowboy
Thanks for the iTrans tip!
Ironically (or not), I found this article via Twitter, made possible by their API.
dogties
ehax
4TheSparrowsNest
Wow, this was an indepth read, but very exciting. I'm glad to hear Etsy realizes the fountain of creativity in outside programs created to maximize its capabilities, and it's awesome to know more of this is in the works. We'll all be waiting to find out what magical attributes you incredible developers will come up with next. :o)
EyeshootSquared
Great news! It will be great to see some Etsy toys for the iPhone etc....
toybreaker
That's so sweet, as a rabid iPhone user, I can't wait to see what you kids come up with! If you need any testers.... ;)
catrocks
ArtisanGraham
Caerydd
This an amazing step. There are so many little useability tweaks I think of whenever I'm using etsy as a buyer or seller, and this should make it possible.
iSew
This is really great. My developer husband is very pleased, I'm sure his cogs are already turning. hehe Great stuff!
juln
I think some great tools will come of this! It's very nice that Etsy's team is open to these possibilities. Thanks!
MetalheartDesign
yay! i can't wait to see what fun new apps come out of this! thanks!
OffTheHooks
wow this is a great explanation of the future of the internet- in a nutshell. i'm so glad & excited etsy is opening up to having API's developed!
FawnAndFinch
xoelle
AREjewellery
I wish I undertood a word of that. but i don't.
I'm sure it's all good though!
aymujer
minouette
Great article. I thought it was remarkably transparent, considering the topic. Looking forward to seeing what comes out of this!
liskidder
visionquest
Juln's "Heart-o-tron3000" was just the beginning.
i can't wait to see what's next!
FrucciDesign
oldworldprimitives
FlanneryCrane
LittleCritters00
KalliopeGifts
Sounds great for everyone (even if I don't quite understand what it means)! Can't wait to hear more!
sweetirie
christyscrafts
Good news ! This really helps me to understand how much I don't understand about all the technical world.
sstargell
Yeah!! As a seller trying to keep up with the ever changing needs of buyers, as well as advertising/marketing and statistical analysis -new API's will be very welcome.
blynkenandnod
i'm so ready to sit back and enjoy this show. sweet!
and nice read- it almost makes me want to take up programming.
embellishedlife
PetitPoulailler
I just want the Search to function properly.
That's all.
Just the Search.
Everything else is gravy.
dancingcircle
I'll admit I was pretty confused by this article. I started a thread in "help" to try to clarify the point and what I understand up to this point is something like this: The future of Etsy will be using 3 party companies to access time saving features that other ecommerce site already have integrated into thier systems? Is that correct?
hautecountryvintage
theGlassOnion
I haven't a clue as to how to develop anything from an API. But, I can't wait to see what people who do know what they are doing come up with. How exciting. Thank you Chad.
JDWolfePottery
dnacingcircle, really what this means is Etsy has opened up a new avenue for creativity. Developers will now have Etsy's support in coming up with creative solutions to the communities problems.
Its not like Etsy won't continue to do their own work on their own path for the future, but they are also now allowing other developers to create their own tangents.
scarletbeautiful
dancingcircle
jdwolfe - ok, thanks - how will (do) those outside developers get compensated?
MelissasMelange
Wow, this is exciting news. I can hardly wait to see what comes out of it.
Thanks for your update and your transparency.
lifeartdesigns
Very exciting. Look forward to seeing what "develops" from this!
tinyminds
dancingcircle, coding is it's own reward :) we don't need cash for it, we do it for kicks...
esdesigns
This is great progress. I can't wait to see what's developed once it's all official. Some of the things that have been developed so far have been incredibly useful to me as a seller and I don't know what I'd do without them.
purposedesign
I will volunteer to beta test anything developed on my iPhone.
So exciting!
StudioCherie
TheFairyFrontier
Great news.
Thanks for your feverish behind the scenes machinations.
Maribel
Where can I find those already built Etsy applications? Gimme gimme!!
MerCurios
bittersweetdesign
great news - wouldn't have a clue how to create an API - but if it is going to make etsy more 'flexible' - how wonderful!
areathriftyone
Woo Hoo! Long live DIY and Etsy! Thank you so much Chad for everything you have done for us.
wiccked
this is fantastic!! Can't wait to see what we can do with our dustteam.com site now :)
GreenSpaceGoods
I'm really excited about this. It opens up all kinds of new possibilities for accessing and promoting Etsy. Can't wait.
BabbidgePatch
Great info on the development~ thanks for keeping Etsy community informed!
uknowuneedanother
I'm with Petit, get the search up to speed first. The sellers unfortunately can't access any of the venture funding. We're stuck doin' it the fashioned way, ... earning it. A rock solid search employing standardized terms with equal search for equal pay, would be better.
Foundation first, bells and whistles later.
Are these APIs going to enhance the vintage experiance?
eclipse
THis is great news, I can't wait to see what goodies the geeks come up with!
CampanaCeramics
TheCottageCheese
Oh my gosh! My fiance has been talking about developing an Etsy Ap for the iPhone for months, since Apple released the SDK. If Etsy provides the platform, maybe he'll come up with something cool!
pinkquartzminerals
zegami
Leave it to Etsy to come up with great ideas such as this. Awesome!
desertnana
Are you basically saying, Etsy has invited a whole world of tech minded geniuses to work on resolving internal issues of the "infrastructure" which should result in a search engine that is equally Fair for all sellers on Etsy?
Hooray!!!
magicjelly
MithrilDreams
SkyscraperArt
As a newcomer to Etsy, I will be interested to see how this all evolves. I'm not familiar with the glitches yet so I'll be paying attention. Good to know Etsy is progressing with the technology.
SnuggleHerd
dragonhouseofyuen
Interesting!
and innovative - just like the etsy sellers !
a good match!
mellowbeing
It's about time! ;) Thanks so much for creating the API - I know it's been a long time coming. You guys are doing great work :)
accentyourself
autumnsarrival
I can't wait to see what else is coming to Etsy! I love enhancements! That HeartLight up there is to die for! SO beautiful!
ImJewelee
WOW .... isn't Etsy fun? YES and ya'll are very creative and innovative, thank you!!
Love being a part of it all.......♥ Julee
glasfaden
earlybirdcreations
Odannysgirl
AchAchLiebling
GoodDirtJewelry
I'll throw my hat in the "I would rather see the search fixed" ring. The extra's are great, but they don't assistant the shopper in any way.
baharcollection
hempandmore
chocolateandsteel
super awesome!!
GoodDirt, someone may create a tool that makes search easier. who knows?
bytheairport
bemyshark
Easy123
AlchemicMuse
stoopidgerl
meanoldbags
will Etsy direct members to "approved" outside services, then?
KnittingsMyBag
hollylynne
I can't wait to play with all the new toys that come out of this!
terryann
craftsfromtheheart
Interesting. I just hope this doesn't add lots of code to each shop to make it unique.
dropofsunshine
Glad to know we're finally joining in on the future of technology! I can't wait til someone develops this, iPod is waiting!!
haannh
limitz
finally! I hope someone will help us buyers to personalize the GUI of our shops. As a webmaster and a seller here I sometimes feel frustrated I can't change the look of my shop..background for example...?
good luck to u all:-)
Nikifashion
Silverdustis
victorialyn
CraftyAllSorts
groovyglassgirl
OMG! this is so exciting....I'm so glad to see Etsy taking steps like this :)
uknowuneedanother
Found a cyber trail back to here.
HOW about removing the "handmade" reference from the keywords that are really applicable within my shop?
Tina669
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