Building a Cost-Effective Custom API

Sep 22, 2024

Building Custom API on Google Cloud Platform

Introduction

  • Objective: Eliminate costly monthly API services by building a custom API.
  • Benefits: Deploy on Google Cloud, use free tools, integrate into business processes.

Common Automation Tools

  • Examples of tools: Leonardo, 11 Labs, Json de Video, Chat GPT.
  • Problem: High cost due to extensive API usage, mismatch between service usage and pricing.

Solution: Custom API

  • Build an API with common functions to reduce costs.
  • Deploy on Google Cloud to manage service usage effectively.

Creating Custom API

  • Use the No Code Architect’s toolkit as a wrapper.
  • Develop modules for specific functions:
    • Convert media to MP3.
    • Transcribe media (replace services like Chat GPT Whisper).
    • Combine videos.

Benefits of Custom API

  • Reduced costs of operations.
  • Ability to isolate and replicate necessary API functions.
  • Collaborate with a community to identify useful functions.

Understanding APIs

  • Definition: Server with code processing requests and sending responses.
  • Cost Reduction: Develop own API for commonly used functions.

Deployment on Google Cloud

  • Obtain $300 credit for Google Cloud Platform.
  • Steps:
    1. Create a new project on Google Cloud.
    2. Enable necessary APIs: Cloud Storage API, Google Drive API, Google Run API.
    3. Create a service account with roles (Storage Admin, Viewer).
    4. Set up Cloud Storage bucket with public access.
    5. Deploy container for API on Cloud Run.

Testing and Utilizing the API

  • Use Postman for testing API calls.
  • Example API calls:
    • Transcribe media.
    • Convert media to MP3.
  • Deployment includes defining container image and setting environment variables.

Integration with Make.com

  • Use HTTP module in Make.com to connect and utilize custom API.
  • Create connections using API key and toolkit URL.
  • Utilize No Code Architects toolkit for ease of use.
  • Modules available for transcribing, converting media, combining videos.

Advanced Features

  • Use of webhooks for handling long processing tasks.
  • Set up Airtable for tracking API requests and responses.
  • Automate updates in Airtable for tracking and further processing.

Conclusion

  • Target developing specific API functions for cost savings.
  • Collaboration with community for toolkit expansion.
  • Early access and support available through No Code Architects community.

Resources

  • GitHub repository for API toolkit.
  • Free to use packages; pay only for server resources on Google Cloud.
  • Postman and Airtable for testing and tracking.

These notes provide a detailed overview of creating and utilizing a custom API on the Google Cloud Platform to reduce costs by replacing expensive API services. The approach includes setting up a Google Cloud account, creating and testing a custom API, and integrating it into automation workflows using Make.com.