Sending data from SQL Server to AirTable via API POST request

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1

Hey everyone! I’m stuck and could use some guidance. I’ve got a SQL Server 2016 database with a table called GameStats. It has info like player names, scores, and other game-related stuff.

I want to move this data to AirTable (it’s an online database thingy). I tried using curl outside of SQL Server, and it worked! But now I’m lost on how to do this directly from SQL Server.

Here’s what I’ve got so far:

CREATE TABLE GameStats (
  GameMode VARCHAR(20),
  FullGameName VARCHAR(20),
  TotalPlayers VARCHAR(20),
  Gamer VARCHAR(20),
  Points NVARCHAR(20),
  EnemiesDefeated VARCHAR(15),
  PrecisionRate VARCHAR(50),
  HealthLost VARCHAR(20),
  PlayTime VARCHAR(30),
  Respawns VARCHAR(50),
  GameDate DATETIME
)

Any tips on how to send this data to AirTable using SQL Server? I’m a total newbie with API stuff in SQL. Thanks in advance for any help!

2

I’ve been in your shoes, Ethan. When I first tackled API integration with SQL Server, it was a real head-scratcher. Here’s what worked for me: I used CLR integration. It lets you write C# code that runs within SQL Server, giving you full control over HTTP requests.

First, you’ll need to enable CLR in SQL Server. Then, create a C# class with methods to handle the API calls. Compile this into a DLL and register it with SQL Server. From there, you can create SQL procedures that invoke your C# methods.

The beauty of this approach is you get the full power of .NET for HTTP operations, while keeping your data operations in T-SQL. It’s more work upfront, but it’s robust and performant.

Just a heads up - make sure you’re handling your API key securely. Don’t hard-code it in your procedures. Consider using SQL Server’s built-in encryption features to store sensitive data.

3

hey ethan, i’ve dealt with similar stuff before. you might wanna look into SQL Server’s built-in HTTP functionality. There’s this thing called sp_OACreate that can help make HTTP requests. It’s a bit tricky tho, so be careful. also, make sure you got the right permissions set up. good luck with your project!

4

For integrating SQL Server with AirTable via API, I’d recommend using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). It’s a powerful ETL tool that can handle API interactions. You’d create a package with a Script Task to make the HTTP POST request to AirTable’s API. This approach is more robust and maintainable than using sp_OACreate.

First, set up a Data Flow task to extract data from your GameStats table. Then, use a Script Task to format the data and send it via HTTP POST. You’ll need to handle authentication and map your SQL columns to AirTable fields.

Remember to implement error handling and logging. This method scales well for larger datasets and allows for scheduling regular updates. It might seem complex at first, but it’s worth the learning curve for a solid, long-term solution.