Using RESTful API as a data source in Crystal Reports 2016

[former_member1097912]

Hello,

I am evaluating Crystal Reports and Crystal Reports Server for use in creating and distributing reports. All of our data comes from an existing RESTful API.

1. How can I use a REST API as a data source in Crystal Reports? I tried to add it as a Web Service but I am not sure what to put in the HTTP(S) WSDL URL or in the Service/Port/Method dialog. The REST call looks like this http://localhost/RestService/api/customer?customerId=123 where the "123" would be a runtime parameter. This returns a JSON with customer data.
2. Our REST API uses 2-step bearer authentication (https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6750) where a call to a login function with a username and password generates a token that is when used in the authentication header for all subsequent REST API calls. Is it possible to implement this in Crystal Reports?
3. I assume it is possible to use runtime parameters in the URL. Is this correct?

I found this document: https://help.sap.com/doc/businessobject_product_guides_sbo42_en_sbo42_cr_restws_en_pdf/4.2/en-US/sbo... but I don't think this is what I am looking for. I am not trying to develop a REST API, just get data from it.

Sincerely,

Jonathan

[daniel_paulsen · Accepted solution]

Hi Jonathan,

Crystal Reports will not be able to use REST APIs for a datasource. You would not have control over the oAuth token either.

You would have to write some code to authenticate and consume the rest Endpoint and format the results into an XML format that could be used as a datasource (Try saving to disk and attach the Crystal Report to the XML file as a datasource to ensure the formatting is useable.