Understanding cURL API for Data Exchange in Ripple
A Client URL (cURL) API is a command-line tool used for transferring data between Ripple and a third-party system. This allows research teams to export or import data in bulk, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of inconsistent records.
What is cURL API?
📌 cURL is a tool that enables data exchange using HTTP requests via a command-line interface.
📌 It allows bulk data transfers between Ripple and external systems without manually accessing Ripple.
Types of cURL APIs in Ripple
A. Export cURL API
✅ Used to export data from Ripple’s Registry or a study.
✅ The exported data can be transferred to a third-party system (e.g., Electronic Data Capture, Clinical Trial Management, or CRM systems).
B. Import cURL API
✅ Used to import data into Ripple from an external system.
✅ Ensures that Ripple receives updated information without manual entry.
How cURL API Helps Research Teams
✔ Prevents Duplicate Data Entry – No need to manually enter the same data in multiple systems.
✔ Reduces Data Inconsistencies – Ensures Ripple and third-party systems contain the same, accurate data.
✔ Automates Data Transfers – The cURL API exports and imports data efficiently, but does not automatically sync between systems.
Important Considerations
❌ cURL API does not create automatic two-way synchronization between Ripple and third-party systems.
✅ To keep data updated, teams must run both the export and import API processes in a timely manner.
Best Practices for Using Ripple’s cURL API
✔ Schedule regular exports and imports to maintain consistent data across systems.
✔ Ensure API requests are formatted correctly to prevent data errors.
✔ Work with IT teams to automate workflows for seamless integration.
By using cURL APIs effectively, research teams can streamline data management, improve accuracy, and enhance efficiency in clinical trial and participant data tracking.
How the cURL API Works in Ripple
The cURL API is an advanced tool for exporting and importing data between Ripple and a third-party system. This process allows bulk data transfers without manually accessing Ripple.
Requirements to Use cURL API
✅ You must be a Site Admin or Site Manager with access to the relevant study.
✅ The cURL API follows the same rules as Ripple’s Import and Export Tools.
✅ A cURL command is required to initiate data transfers.
Authorization and Security in Ripple’s cURL API
Ripple’s cURL API ensures data security and privacy by requiring user authentication before allowing data imports or exports. To accomplish this, the API uses an Authorization Key which is an encrypted version of your Ripple username and password.
How to Use the Export cURL API
📌 The Export cURL API allows you to extract data from the Registry or a single study.
Steps to Export Data Using cURL API:
1️⃣ Define what you’re exporting:
- Choose between Registry or a specific study.
- Identify the variable(s) to export.
2️⃣ Write the cURL command to specify:
✅ The source (Registry or study)
✅ The user credentials (to verify identity).
✅ The variables to be exported
3️⃣ Execute the cURL command – The data is exported into a CSV file.
4️⃣ Transform the data as needed before importing it into another system.
⚠ Note: The Export cURL API exports all data from the selected variables. You cannot filter data until it is exported into Excel.
How to Use the Import cURL API
📌 The Import cURL API allows you to transfer data from a third-party system into Ripple.
Steps to Import Data Using cURL API:
1️⃣ Prepare the data for import:
- Convert the external data into a format that follows Ripple’s Import Tool Data Dictionary rules.
2️⃣ Write the cURL command to specify:
✅ Whether the data is being imported into Registry or a study
✅ The user credentials
✅ The CSV file to import
3️⃣ Execute the cURL command – The data is imported into Ripple.
Key Considerations When Using cURL API
✔ Only one study or the Registry can be exported/imported at a time (bulk study imports are not supported).
✔ Ensure correct formatting – Imported data must followRipple’s Data Dictionary rules .
✔ No automatic synchronization – Ripple does not automatically update from external systems unless the cURL API is run manually or automated externally.
✔ Review exported data in Excel before importing it into a new system.
Best Practices for Using cURL API
✔ Schedule regular data exports/imports to maintain consistency across systems.
✔ Work with your IT team to set up automation for recurring data transfers.
✔ Ensure secure handling of API credentials and exported data.
For detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to Ripple’s Export cURL API and Import cURL API guides.