From now on, GEFEG.FX supports the development of APIs on the basis of OpenAPI 3.x. And the best thing is: you can reuse your data in APIs and use your existing messages.
GEFEG.FX is known as the ‘hidden champion’ for design, documentation and mapping software when it comes to classic EDI(FACT) messages, XML messages, data models and standards. In short: GEFEG has been supporting the digitalisation of companies around the globe for almost four decades. Therefore, it is the natural next step to also accompany the transformation into the world of web APIs. With the new version of GEFEG.FX, you can reuse your data in APIs.
Successful pilot projects from automotive to BlockChain to marketing
When it comes to developing and setting standards, this must be optimally supported by the software used. GEFEG.FX is permanently being further developed and new functionalities added. However, the support of APIs has been a major step. A separate programme area has been created and is still being expanded. It is therefore particularly important for GEFEG to offer the usual reliability and quality here. We were able to win several pilot projects in which we were able to successfully test the new modules. The feedback from our customers was thus immediately incorporated into the development and ensured the usability of the new API module.
Support of OpenAPI 3.0 and OpenAPI 3.1 in Swagger and YAML format
For many, “Swagger” is a household name. Why? Because for many years Swagger was one of the standards on the web for APIs. Therefore, there is still a lot of software on the market that supports the Swagger 2.0 format. But this format has been obsolete for a few years and OpenAPI is the successor. Since spring 2021, OpenAPI is available in version 3.1. Of course, GEFEG.FX fully supports the new standard, but can also export the Swagger 2.0 format.
What makes GEFEG.FX different?
The strength of GEFEG.FX lies in its design-time support for electronic data exchange. Governance is on everyone’s lips today – and has been standard at GEFEG.FX for decades. Thus, data models or a message can of course be developed from scratch. In addition, existing standards can also be used or imported. Transparently tailored to the respective profile or mutually mapped to each other, this results in a significant advantage when using GEFEG.FX. It becomes easily and immediately apparent whether and where gaps exist or what special features the respective implementation requires. GEFEG.FX transfers this strength to the world of APIs.
So how can I reuse my data models in APIs?
Existing standards can also be used for APIs. Existing APIs in OpenAPI or Swagger format can be easily imported into GEFEG.FX. Either directly or via GIT and SVN support.
In addition, however, the UML data models or the UN/CEFACT reference data models as well as any XML format can be used to define an API from them. And the special thing: The connection remains intact. If the underlying data model or the linked message structure is updated, this can directly affect the API if desired.
A central point for the maintenance of data models, XML and API
This means, in particular, that GEFEG.FX can effectively be used on several tracks. If there is a need to change the electronic connection of the business partners, it is no longer necessary to adapt each mapping and each profile individually. The adjustment can be made centrally and has an immediate effect on the data models, XML messages and the API specification. This is how simple the implementation of compliance requirements can be.
