Are you looking forward to developing an app that provides traveling advice to people? Or an app that recommends ideal destinations according to their weather preferences? Or want to build an app for construction companies that can predict the weather when it will be hazardous for a particular construction site? Furthermore, how can you use the weather data to make your production process more efficient to meet the seasonal demands?
If the answer to any of the above questions is YES, all you need is a weather API to accomplish your project.
If you are acquainted with the software development world, you are not a stranger to APIs. Application Programming Interfaces (API) helps in interacting with various software applications.
You can use APIs to add features and other functionalities to your app. You do not need to write any scripts and codes manually. All you have to do is find a perfect API and integrate it. From safe online payments to social media logins, APIs back every advanced feature you add to the apps.
If you are an app developer looking for a reliable and powerful weather API, the internet can help you. A wide range of options available online will put you in a state of confusion. Here is a simple guide that helps choose the correct weather API for app developers. Select the right weather API that can help to fulfill the exclusive requirements of your business affairs. But before that, let us know more about the weather API.
What is a Weather API?
A weather API facilitates your app to interact with large databases of weather forecasts and historical data. It allows leverage of the features of a weather app instead of building and maintaining one for you. For example, if you are developing an app for an event management company. Among other useful features, your main concern will be a feature in your app that provides alerts to users at times of unfavorable weather for outdoor events in particular locations. A perfect weather API will help you achieve your goal by integrating your requirement with the database. You need to spend time and money to write lengthy scripts and codes to add a simple feature to your app if you lack a decent weather API.
You will come across plenty of options if you search online for a weather API. Most leading online platforms offer powerful APIs to software professionals. The Dark Sky API was a leading and most popularly used platform. But since Dark Sky API has stopped accepting new users, it has become necessary to uncover a suitable substitute.
Here is a list of leading weather APIs providers:
- Tomorrow.io
- MeteoGroup
- OpenWeatherMap
- AccuWeather
- Weather2020
Now when you are familiar with the usefulness of a weather API in your business, you might be thinking of grabbing one in your hands. But again, it is necessary to select the best API that complements the specific needs of your business. Most weather APIs provide similar information and follow related approaches, like, current climatic conditions, historical data, and hourly, weekly, monthly forecasts. However, most APIs differ in terms of compatibility, ease of use, documentation, and several other factors. Here are some steps that are handy in choosing an excellent weather API:
1. Essential Features
Almost every leading weather API offers you a diverse array of information related to weather, including:
- Temperature
- Cloud cover
- Air quality index
- Visibility index
- Humidity
- Precipitation levels
While some APIs offer access to generic weather forecasts, others provide accurate weather forecasts using location-based services. Some APIs move ahead from the league to predict seasonal changes and their effect on revenue and production.
It is necessary to identify the features essential in a weather API. List down all mandatory features for your app and look for the APIs that meet the criteria. Too many stylish and unnecessary features will create difficulty in integration and use.
2. Setting Your Budget
Free weather APIs available online usually have a limited scope and functionalities. To get more intelligent and efficient weather forecasts and information for an updated decision-making process, you should choose a premium weather API. A premium API is not free.
3. Which Option Is More Important
After having the idea of the required features and premium services, you must evaluate the most suitable API among the list of contenders. The evaluation must include the following parameters:
- Compatibility
- Documentation
- Reliability
4. Free Trial is a Better Option
Before picking up the most suited option, it is better to opt for a package that includes a free trial. Most weather API service providers offer a free trial with their package.
Even if the package does not include a free trial, you must approach the service provider to ask for a free demo or trial option.
Go for the Best
While choosing weather API for developing a commercial mobile application, you must select the best option available. The best IT support option does not mean that it must cost you a heavy amount of money, but the one that best suits your requirement. A free or cost-effective weather API can also settle your demand.