Is the API really this limited?
Api is still beta and in development, so you can expect to get more features as time goes on. However there won’t be any function in the api that is also in the game.
What you can do with the current API?
Well more accurate and tamper proof dragon-timers, you could also get an Item by it’s name and then query the recipes api to get all recipes which use that particular item.
There are already many possibilities, they just require the developers to work a bit.
I think you got the wrong impression here.
This isnt an API like the LUA interfaces in WoW or LotRo.
You arent supposed to make addons to the game itself.
The GW2 Api is supposed to make ingame information avaiable from the outside, through websites or applications.
Also the info is extra restricted right now, because they are still working on implementing authentification, so they can only give general info out.
Give it time, they only released the APIs about 2 weeks ago
edit: ninjaed what ruhr said
The API is not for creating standard UI addons, it’s for making apps. An app for example would use items.json to create something like an item database, at which point you could then search for the item you wanted. Using items.json, this is done by grabbing all the items, then looking up their details to create a database. Adding in recipe information, you could create a crafting “addon” to help players level crafting the most efficient/cheapest way.
Allowing player’s to create addons for the UI, like usual MMOs, is not something ArenaNet has plans for. Addons can make a big difference when you’re aiming to be an e-sport after all. Furthermore, since they never added addon support to GW1, chances are they’ll stick to their no addons stance. If the majority wants it though (as in constant spam of requests by thousands of different players), they’ll probably cave.
Right now, the API is in its early phase. In the future, there will be more options, so doing something like retrieving what items you have equipped along with your character’s information may be possible.
For any core UI modifications (multiple chat windows), you’ll need to make a suggestion.
This is an HTTP API for making web applications.
ArenaNet could create a lot less confusion if they put “WEB API” or “HTTP API” in the title of this forum and, really, all locations that the word “API” is listed.
Thanks for clarifying! That’s what I get for “assuming” ;-)