Converting Airtable API response to JSON format in React application

Other Questions Airtable
1

I’m working on a React project and need help with handling data from Airtable. I have a function that fetches records from my Airtable base, but I’m having trouble getting the data in the right format.

The function retrieves all records correctly and I can see them in the console, but I can’t figure out how to return the processed data as a proper JSON object. The asynchronous nature of the API call seems to be causing issues.

Here’s my current code:

function fetchTableData(tableName) {
  var dataArray = []
  airtableBase(tableName).select().all()
  .then(
    function (allRecords) {
      for (let index = 0; index < allRecords.length; index++)
        dataArray.push(allRecords[index]._rawJson.fields)
      // console.log(dataArray) works fine here
    });
  // return dataArray returns empty array
}

I need to return the dataArray and convert it to JSON format so I can use it elsewhere in my React components. What’s the best approach to handle this async operation?

2

You’re trying to return data before the async operation finishes. I hit this same problem building an inventory app that pulled from multiple Airtable bases. Here’s what worked for me: wrap the fetch logic in a Promise and handle state at the component level. Modify your function to return the promise directly: return airtableBase(tableName).select().all().then(records => records.map(r => r._rawJson.fields)). In your component, use useState for the data and call your function inside useEffect. The _rawJson.fields data is already a proper JavaScript object - no extra JSON conversion needed. This keeps your data fetching separate from component logic and handles the async flow properly.

3

yeah, ur trying to return synchronously from an async op. had this exact problem last week lol. just make ur func return a promise n handle it in the calling component. fetchTableData('myTable').then(data => setMyState(data)) should work fine. no need to convert to JSON since airtable already gives u js objects.

4

Your function’s returning before the Promise resolves. Make it async and return the Promise properly. Here’s how I fixed this same issue in my React project:

async function fetchTableData(tableName) {
  try {
    const allRecords = await airtableBase(tableName).select().all();
    const dataArray = allRecords.map(record => record._rawJson.fields);
    return dataArray; // Already in JSON format
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error fetching data:', error);
    return [];
  }
}

Call it with await inside useEffect or handle with .then() in your React component. The _rawJson.fields data is already JSON format - no conversion needed. I switched to map() instead of the for loop since it’s cleaner for array transformations.

5

Classic beginner mistake. Your dataArray gets returned before the .then block runs. Just use setState directly in the .then callback instead of trying to return it. Something like airtableBase(tableName).select().all().then(records => { setMyData(records.map(r => r._rawJson.fields)) }) works fine.

6

You’re encountering a typical Promise resolution problem. The return statement in your function executes before the .then() method completes, resulting in an empty array. I faced a similar challenge when creating a dashboard that retrieved data from various Airtable bases. To handle this, avoid attempting to populate an external array; instead, simply return the Promise itself. You can modify your function like this: return airtableBase(tableName).select().all().then(records => records.map(record => record._rawJson.fields)). This adjustment ensures that the function returns a Promise that resolves with your processed data. Utilize useState and useEffect in your React component to manage the data effectively.

7

Been there multiple times. Classic async timing issue - your function exits before the promise completes.

I usually handle this with a custom hook for external APIs like Airtable. Keeps things clean and reusable:

function useAirtableData(tableName) {
  const [data, setData] = useState([]);
  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
  
  useEffect(() => {
    airtableBase(tableName).select().all()
      .then(records => {
        const processedData = records.map(record => record._rawJson.fields);
        setData(processedData);
        setLoading(false);
      })
      .catch(err => {
        console.error(err);
        setLoading(false);
      });
  }, [tableName]);
  
  return { data, loading };
}

Then in your component just call const { data, loading } = useAirtableData('myTable'). You get loading states too, which users expect.

Built several dashboards this way and it handles re-fetching automatically when the table name changes.