What Are the Google Cloud APIs?

Google Cloud APIs (application programming interfaces) give teams the freedom to automate workflows using their favorite language. Cloud APIs are a key part of the Google Cloud Platform because they allow you to combine the power of everything — from computing to machine-learning analysis — with your applications.

Once you understand the types of APIs you can use through Google, you can work with this powerful functionality to improve processes and streamline workflows.

API Types

Let's look at some of the Google Cloud APIs teams can use:

• APIs for Maps - APIs for Maps allow you to create real-world, real-time experiences with the latest Maps, Routes, and Places features from the Google Maps Platform.
• APIs for Advertising - The Google Ads API enables developers to interact directly with the Google Ads platform for custom performance reports, smart bidding strategies, and more.
• Mobile APIs - Although Google recommends connecting to APIs using server-based authentication, you can also use mobile APIs through Android or iOS devices to share mobile apps, grow a user base, and maximize your revenue.
• Other APIs - A host of other Google Cloud APIs are available for use, including BigQuery APIs, Cloud Billing APIs, Gmail APIs, Resource Manager APIs, and more. With many options for teams to utilize Google’s APIs, your organization can quickly find what works best and start automating.

Working with Cloud APIs

If you’ve decided Cloud APIs are right for your team, here are the basics of working with this functionality. Remember, you can always turn to a certified Google partner like Promevo for help navigating this technology.

• Google Account Creation - To get started using Cloud APIs, you need a Google account. If you’re new to Google Cloud, you can create an account here to evaluate how Google products perform in real-world scenarios.
• Creating a Google Project - Next, you need to create a Google project, which acts as a developer account and a container for your Cloud resources. A project can own many resources, including API keys, service accounts, BigQuery datasets, and more. If you don’t have a project, create one using the Google Cloud console.
• Finding APIs - Next, use the Google Cloud console to browse the API library and discover what meets your business needs.

• Enable APIs - Some Cloud APIs are enabled by default, but if you don’t choose an API that’s enabled, you’ll need to do it manually: 

• Go to the Google Cloud console API library.
• From the project list, select the project you want to use.
• In the API library, select the API you want to enable. Use the search field or filters if you need help locating the API.
• On the API page, click “ENABLE.”
• On this page, you can also disable an API for a project if you no longer use it and don’t want to be charged.

• Enabling Billing - Some Cloud APIs will charge for usage, so you must enable billing. The API usage in a project will be charged to the account associated with the project. If you don’t have a billing account, go to the Google Cloud console billing page and follow the instructions to create one. Then, link your account to your project.
• APIs Authentication - Authenticating APIs will look different depending on the development environment and authentication methods the API supports. Setting up application default credentials is recommended, though you can also use API keys if your API supports it. If you need access to Google Cloud resources owned by your end users, create an OAuth 2.0 Client ID and use the authentication libraries.
• Start Developing Applications - Now, it’s time to start building applications using Cloud APIs. Google recommends utilizing the Google Cloud Client Libraries if available, as these libraries handle common API features for your convenience. You’ll need to pass application credentials to the client libraries during initialization so that the client libraries can make calls to Google Cloud APIs on behalf of your application.

Google Cloud API: Price Details

As mentioned, some Cloud APIs will charge for usage. New Google customers get $300 in free credits to run, test, and deploy workloads, and all customers can use 25+ Google Cloud products for free, up to monthly usage limits.

To check pricing for specific Cloud APIs, visit Google’s pricing page. You can also work with a certified Google partner to navigate pricing, set up APIs, and deploy them in a way that works best for your business.

Why Promevo?

Promevo is a 100% Google-focused partner specializing in Google solutions, Google Workspace management, Cloud services, and more. Our expert Google technicians can work with you to navigate Google technology and use APIs and other resources, so that they work for your business.

Whether you need support getting started or want to maximize the value of your existing Google technologies, we’re here to help. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Google Cloud APIs?

Google Cloud APIs are programmatic interfaces that are a key part of the Google Cloud Platform. APIs allow you to harness the power of networking, computing, and more for your applications.

Are Google APIs free?

Some of Google’s APIs are subject to use charges. Visit Google’s pricing page for more detail.