In the pre-cloud era, we used floppy disks, modems, phone lines, or our feet to share information and pass files. After a while, we progressed to using File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which allowed us to access applications from a central server, and then to protocol sharing in the 1990s, such as email. Although it is still in use, it is not the most recommended method or platform, nor is it the most preferable due to certain security issues. Bit Torrent, Gnutella, and a slew of other torrent apps first appeared in the early 2000s, and file-sharing has since evolved into what it is today.
File sharing APIs are Application Programming Interfaces that developers use to include file sharing functions in their applications. From collaboration on work files and documents to music and movie services, we use file-sharing applications on a daily basis. The right APIs are important to provide the best experiences for all users, so developers are always looking for better API options to enhance file-sharing apps.
Here are the top six File Sharing APIs for 2023:
1. One Drive (Microsoft) API
Microsoft launched this file hosting and synchronisation service in 2007. The features in OneDrive vary from version to version, as is common with Microsoft, and the features available differ from a personal account to a business account. It provides free 5GB storage space, 1TB of storage for personal plans, and an ample 6TB of storage for family plans. Paid plans also receive free ransomware detection and recovery services. It takes only 33 seconds to upload a 245 MB file, and it works seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft's mobile apps. It also enables real-time collaboration within Microsoft Office documents.
Developers can integrate OneDrive API features into their apps to store and manage user data. The OneDrive Rest API is a component of the Microsoft Graph API and includes features such as file restoration for up to 30 days and increased preservation of edited and deleted documents for e-discovery.
2. Google Drive API
This is a cloud-based storage program developed by Google that allows users to access their data and files in any format from devices and applications that have an internet connection. Many internet users often search for file upload as a service to make their data sharing process easier, and this API meets that need. It gives users access to store and synchronises their files on multiple platforms and devices, allowing them to interact with their files on numerous cloud apps while maintaining a single cloud storage location. Its API allows developers to easily write, read, and sync files stored on Google Drive from phone and web apps.
The Google Drive API is an excellent choice because it provides users with free 15 GB of storage space that is shared with other Google services. Aside from the free storage, users can also get a paid plan called Google One, where businesses can choose between Google Workspace or Workspace Essentials, both of which work the same except for features like Gmail and Calendar that are missing in the Workspace Essentials. This business plan also includes a 14-day free trial period.
Other features of the Google Drive API include a centralised admin console, email and phone support 24 hours a day, management controls and security, reports, and audits. Advanced features include data loss prevention, context-aware access, endpoint management, etc. It also has a quick upload time; a 245MB file will be uploaded in 48 seconds.
3. Dropbox API
This is a creative, collaborative space designed to reduce busy work, gather your files in one location, and safely sync them across your devices. It has management features and enterprise-level security for its users. Dropbox has additional features aimed at increasing collaboration and productivity, such as the ability to create documents, sheets, slideshows, and presentations from within Dropbox, Microsoft, or Google. It also includes 2GB of free storage.
Dropbox's API features enable developers to create files in Dropbox with enhanced functionality such as full-text speech, sharing, and thumbnails. It also has APIs and SDKs that allow developers to access user data upon authorization easily. The upload time for 245MB is 56 seconds.
4. iCloud Drive API
Apple provides this solution for file and document management for all Mac, iPad, and iPhone users; however, you will need to own an iCloud account to use a Cloud Drive, and simply owning any Apple product grants you access to free 5GB storage space. Since iCloud Drive is only accessible to non-Apple users on the web, others such as Android users, prefer to use Google cloud storage instead.
Users can save any type of file to iCloud Drive API for easy access on all iCloud-enabled devices. Apple also provided APIs and SDKs to third-party developers for use in their applications. The upload time is 1 minute and 56 seconds for 245MB.
5. Boxdrive API
As a file sharing and cloud content management service, Boxdrive is always geared toward enterprises and businesses. It provides 10GB of free space, uploads a 245MB file in 35 seconds, and integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office to provide enterprise-grade security and enterprise collaboration features.
Boxdrive API provides developers with an open platform with APIs and SDKs for various purposes. It enables developers to interact with and manage Box files.
6. Mediafire API
This is a file synchronisation, hosting, and cloud storage service. Users can keep all of their music, videos, pictures, and documents in one place for easy access in the future with MediaFire. It has 1OGB of free space and an upload time of 45 seconds for a 245MB file.
Developers can easily host and share all file types using MediaFire's API. It also enables developers to use MediaFireClient to put together a test system quickly. Although it has an unstable API and only basic test coverage, the MediaFire API contains enough functions for your file listing and uploads/downloads to work.
Conclusion
Most users, whether individuals or companies, select and stick with a single file-sharing API that meets their needs and provides the best specifications. So, with this list, you should have no trouble selecting the best file-sharing API for you and your needs. Making it easier to save, synchronise and share files in a short time.
