SandAPI: Dynamic API Endpoint Platform

Project Overview

SandAPI is a web-based platform that empowers developers to create custom, working API endpoints in minutes without writing any backend code. Think of it as a "sandbox" where developers can quickly prototype applications, test integrations, or build demos by generating realistic mock data through simple, user-friendly interfaces.

The Challenge

When developers are building applications, they often need to test how their frontend code interacts with backend services. Traditionally, this requires setting up servers, databases, and writing complex backend code—a process that can take hours or even days. We wanted to eliminate this friction by allowing developers to create fully functional API endpoints instantly, with each user having their own isolated, personalized namespace.

Our Solution: Dynamic User-Specific Endpoints

The Core Innovation

The heart of SandAPI lies in its ability to create unique, dynamic API endpoints for every user. When a user signs up, the system automatically generates a personalized namespace based on their unique identifier. This means each user gets their own "corner" of the API universe, completely isolated from other users.

For example, if a user's ID ends in "abc123", they receive their own API base URL: https://api.sandapi.com/user_abc123/. All endpoints they create are automatically prefixed with this unique identifier, ensuring complete data isolation and security.

How It Works

1. User Registration & Namespace Creation

When a new user signs up through our authentication system, we capture their unique user ID. The system then automatically generates a shortened, URL-friendly version of this ID (the last 6 characters) and creates their personal namespace. This happens instantly and transparently—the user doesn't need to do anything special.

2. Endpoint Creation Process

Users can create endpoints in two intuitive ways:

Option A: Bring Your Own JSON

Users paste their own JSON data structure directly into a text editor
The system validates the JSON in real-time, showing helpful error messages if the format is incorrect
Once validated, the endpoint is ready to use immediately

Option B: Auto-Generate with Schema Builder

Users build their data structure visually using a form-based interface
They define field names (like "name", "email", "age") and choose data types
For realistic data, users can select from a library of Faker.js options that generate random but realistic values (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
The system automatically generates sample data matching their schema

3. Dynamic Route Generation

When a user creates an endpoint, they provide:

A friendly name (e.g., "User Profiles")
A route path (e.g., "users")
The HTTP method (GET, POST, or DELETE)

Behind the scenes, our system combines this information with the user's unique namespace to create a fully functional endpoint. For example:

User namespace: user_abc123
Route path: users
Final endpoint: https://api.sandapi.com/user_abc123/users

4. Automatic Method Generation

For each endpoint created, the system automatically generates multiple HTTP methods:

GET (list all): Returns all items in the collection
GET (by ID): Returns a specific item when you provide its ID
POST: Creates a new item in the collection
DELETE: Removes an item by ID

This means users get a complete, RESTful API without having to configure each method individually.

5. Data Storage & Isolation

Each user's endpoints and data are stored separately in our database. When a request comes in, the system:

Extracts the user namespace from the URL
Validates that the user has permission to access that namespace
Routes the request to the correct user's data
Returns only that user's information

This multi-tenant architecture ensures complete data isolation—users can never accidentally access or modify another user's endpoints or data.

User Experience Features

Dashboard

Users see all their endpoints in a clean, card-based layout
Each card shows the endpoint name, method type, and a preview of the data structure
Quick access to view, edit, or delete any endpoint
Statistics showing total endpoints created and current subscription tier

Endpoint Management

View Endpoint: Detailed view showing all available methods, example requests, and responses
Edit Endpoint: Modify the data structure or schema without losing existing data
Delete Endpoint: Safe deletion with confirmation dialogs to prevent accidents

Usage Analytics

Visual charts showing how often each endpoint is being called
Timeline view of API usage over the past few days
Helps users understand which endpoints are most valuable

Code Examples

Automatically generated code snippets in multiple programming languages
Copy-paste ready examples for making requests to the endpoints
Shows both request code (how to call the API) and response examples (what data you'll get back)

Schema Validation

Optional "strict schema" mode that ensures data posted to endpoints matches the expected structure
Prevents invalid data from being stored
Provides clear error messages when validation fails

Technical Architecture Highlights

Frontend (User Interface)

Built with React, providing a smooth, responsive user experience
Real-time validation and feedback as users create endpoints
Beautiful, modern UI using Tailwind CSS
Client-side routing for seamless navigation

Backend Integration

RESTful API that handles all endpoint creation, storage, and retrieval
Secure authentication using Clerk
Efficient database queries that scale with user growth
Automatic generation of dynamic routes based on user IDs

Data Generation

Integration with Faker.js library for generating realistic test data
Support for various data types: strings, numbers, booleans, dates, objects, and arrays
Customizable data generation rules per field

Security & Privacy

Each user's data is completely isolated through unique namespaces
Authentication required for all endpoint management operations
Users can only access and modify their own endpoints
Secure API endpoints that validate user permissions on every request

Real-World Impact

This platform solves a real problem for developers:

Faster Prototyping: Developers can test frontend code immediately without waiting for backend development
Better Testing: QA teams can test applications with realistic data without depending on production systems
Educational Use: Students and learners can experiment with APIs without complex setup
Demo Preparation: Sales and marketing teams can create impressive demos with working APIs

Development Process

The project was built iteratively, starting with core functionality (endpoint creation) and gradually adding features based on user feedback:

Initial MVP: Basic endpoint creation with manual JSON input
Schema Builder: Added visual schema creation for non-technical users
Analytics: Implemented usage tracking and visualization
Enhanced UX: Improved error handling, validation, and user guidance
Code Examples: Added automatic code generation for better developer experience

Key Metrics & Achievements

Supports unlimited endpoints per user (with tier-based limits)
Instant endpoint creation—from idea to working API in under 30 seconds
Zero backend code required from users
Complete RESTful API support (GET, POST, DELETE)
Real-time data validation and error feedback
Beautiful, intuitive interface that requires no technical documentation to use

Conclusion

SandAPI demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can make complex technical concepts accessible to everyone. By creating a system that automatically generates unique, isolated endpoints for each user, we've built a platform that feels magical to use—users simply describe what they want, and the system handles all the complexity behind the scenes. The dynamic namespace system ensures scalability, security, and a personalized experience for every user, while the dual creation methods (manual JSON and visual schema builder) make the platform accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

The project showcases expertise in full-stack development, user experience design, API architecture, and multi-tenant systems—all while solving a real problem that developers face daily.