Download tool to query API - why does it only work this way?

Im using the Download tool to query an in-house API - it all works, but I know very little about API's and was wondering... It takes in an expected_settlement_date field, the only way I can get this to work is to append the actual date I want passed in to the URL like below:

https://URL/vu_alteryx_discov_dealing_stats/30-Jun-2025

I thought I would be able to pass this in either the Headers or Payload sections but whenever I try it always fails, just wondered why this was or am I doing something slightly wrong?

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Accepted answers

abacon

@craigja it all depends on the API you are using - my usual method for getting APIs to work in Alteryx is to first use Postman to build it out and understand the queries I need to make.

Does your in-house API have any documentation that guides you on how to query it correctly? I know with some you put it straight in the 'parameters' section, not the headers or the body which would be the URL you are talking about.

If I were you, I would reach out to who developed the in-house API to better understand how it works or for documentation that will give you the information.

Bacon

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craigja

So, just discovered if I add that field in the Headers section as a constant value, so the top section of the Headers Tab, it works, I initially tried just checking the field name in the bottom box on this tab but that doesnt work. How can I pass in different dates if the only way is to make it a constant? So the top bit works, but if I delete this and check the field name at the bottom it fails

craigja

Ignore that last reply! It only worked as I had left the date in the URL!

Gaurav_Dhama_

Have you tried passing it as parameter instead? For example:

craigja

yeah and that doesnt work

abacon

@craigja it all depends on the API you are using - my usual method for getting APIs to work in Alteryx is to first use Postman to build it out and understand the queries I need to make.

If I were you, I would reach out to who developed the in-house API to better understand how it works or for documentation that will give you the information.

Bacon

craigja

Ah, ok it probably is just the parameters like you said then - the other developer Im working with on this is an Oracle developer who is using the API already and he just uses the full URL as well.

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