---
title: Using Postman with Datadog APIs
description: >-
  Learn how to use Postman to perform API calls to Datadog for GET, POST, PUT,
  and DELETE operations with authentication setup.
breadcrumbs: Docs > Getting Started > Using Postman with Datadog APIs
---

# Using Postman with Datadog APIs

## Overview{% #overview %}

The Datadog API allows you to get data in and out of Datadog. It uses resource-oriented URLs and status codes to indicate the success or failure of requests, then returns JSON from all requests.

This article explains how to use [Postman](https://www.postman.com/) to perform API calls to Datadog by showing the actions available within the Datadog API, and by providing a high-level introduction to using Postman to `GET`, `POST`, `PUT`, and `DELETE`.

## Prerequisites{% #prerequisites %}

You have:

- An active Datadog implementation.
- Access to your Datadog [API and application keys](https://app.datadoghq.com/organization-settings/api-keys).
- Basic knowledge of API structure and JSON formatting.
- A [free Postman account](https://identity.getpostman.com/signup).

## Setup{% #setup %}

### Import the Datadog collection into Postman{% #import-the-datadog-collection-into-postman %}

Start by [logging into Postman](https://identity.getpostman.com/login). Datadog recommends [downloading the Postman application](https://www.postman.com/downloads/).
(function(e,t,n,s,o,i,a){!e[n]&&(e[n]=function(){(e[s]||(e[s]=[])).push(arguments)}),!t.getElementById(n+s)&&t.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild((a=t.createElement("script"),a.id=n+s,a.async=1,a.src=o,a))})(window,document,"_pm","PostmanRunObject","https://run.pstmn.io/button.js")
This collection works in Postman for Web or in your Postman application. It may take several seconds to load.

**Note**: Configure the **collection variables** of the Datadog API collection with your API and application key values.

### Postman collection setup{% #postman-collection-setup %}

After the Postman collection is imported, a full list of available Datadog API calls is structured by folder in the left pane of Postman.

#### Authentication{% #authentication %}

Add your Datadog API and application keys to the [collection variables](https://learning.postman.com/docs/sending-requests/variables/variables/#defining-collection-variables) for authentication.

Follow these steps to set up your environment:

1. Select the Datadog API Collection.

1. Click the **Variables** tab.

1. Add your valid Datadog API and application key values to the **Current value** field of the `api_key` and `application_key` variables, respectively.

1. Click **Save**.

{% image
   source="https://datadog-docs.imgix.net/images/getting_started/postman/collection_variables.cea78480c86c78c7c3958946b4cf5b91.png?auto=format"
   alt="The Datadog API Collection with api_key and application_key collection variables configured" /%}

#### Switch the API endpoint{% #switch-the-api-endpoint %}

If you are accessing a Datadog site other than `https://api.datadoghq.com`, you need to switch the Postman collection to access a different endpoint URL.

Follow these steps to update the instance to your selected site ():

1. In the Datadog API Collection folder on the left pane, click the three dot menu, and then select **Edit**.

   {% image
      source="https://datadog-docs.imgix.net/images/getting_started/postman/view-more-actions.abfe65f86e1c005e3334e205ddf91446.png?auto=format"
      alt="View more actions" /%}

1. On the **Variables** tab, deselect the `site` variable with the value `datadoghq.com` and select the `site` with the value .

1. Click **Update**.

## Working with the collection{% #working-with-the-collection %}

After setup is complete, you are ready to begin making API calls. In the Postman -> Datadog folder, there are subfolders for each type of API category listed in the [Datadog API Reference](https://docs.datadoghq.com/api/latest/#api-reference). Expand the subfolders to see the HTTP methods and API call names.

### Builder{% #builder %}

When you click on an API call in the collection, it loads in the `Builder` pane on the right. On this pane you can send the API call and see the returned status, response time, and API response code.

{% image
   source="https://datadog-docs.imgix.net/images/getting_started/postman/apiGetCalls.f6c9b00bdf105d0b86de19c9286d21a9.png?auto=format"
   alt="postman_api_response" /%}

### Description{% #description %}

When you click on the Endpoint name a description of the endpoint and all required/optional parameters is displayed to help you build your requests:

{% video
   url="https://datadog-docs.imgix.net/images/getting_started/postman/description.mp4" /%}

### Params{% #params %}

The **Params** tab shows all parameters and values that are on the API call. Here, you are able to add parameters and values. View the available arguments in the corresponding section of the [Datadog API documentation](https://docs.datadoghq.com/api/).

{% image
   source="https://datadog-docs.imgix.net/images/getting_started/postman/parameters.b9f6107ec6cf7c3fc0bebfecfe43b006.png?auto=format"
   alt="postman_param" /%}

This tab is an alternative to viewing the `param1:value1&param2:value2` structure of the API call.

**Notes**:

- The ampersand (&) and colon (:) are not needed in the params table. Postman inserts these for you.
- All placeholders follow the format: `<PLACEHOLDER>` . They should be replaced before running a query.