Connect WordPress to external data
JSON Content Importer PRO helps connect WordPress with third-party REST APIs and publish returned data on your site. It can retrieve JSON, XML, CSV, and TXT data, then arrange and display the results through shortcodes, a Gutenberg block, or PHP. This makes it useful for sites that need to present information from an external API without building every connection from scratch.
The workflow is organized around two steps. First, enter an API URL so the data can be loaded and saved as an API-Access-Set. Next, use that saved connection to create a shortcode or build a display through the JCI Block. The block can query an API, show the response, and provide a template generator to help structure the output.
PRO capabilities
The PRO edition extends the basic data-retrieval workflow with tools for more flexible applications and presentation. You can create a search form connected to a JSON API and pass GET variables to create a dynamic JSON feed URL. This supports applications where visitors need to influence the API request through submitted search values.
- Use the Twig template engine for more flexible data templates.
- Create and use Custom Post Types.
- Store templates independently from pages.
- Use additional shortcode parameters.
- Execute shortcodes inside a template.
- Use API-Access-Sets in PHP when direct code integration is preferred.
These capabilities support projects such as API-powered directories, search interfaces, data listings, and WordPress pages that need information from a web service. The returned data can be transformed into HTML for display, while the shortcode and block approaches keep implementation accessible to users working primarily inside WordPress.
Forms, caching, and settings
JSON Content Importer also includes Contact Form 7 integration. JSON data can populate Contact Form 7 forms, and submitted form data can be forwarded to an API. The JCI cacher can be used to avoid making many API requests. Basic settings include options related to SSL, caching, Gutenberg, and authentication.
HTML present in shortcode or block output is filtered to prevent dangerous code such as JavaScript from being output. When deliberately required, additional tags or attributes can be entered in the advanced setting for allowed HTML. This provides a defined place to adjust filtering for a particular display.
Installation and first workflow
Install JSON Content Importer PRO in your WordPress site, then begin by entering the API URL in the JCI workflow. Load and inspect the response, save the connection as an API-Access-Set, and use it in a shortcode or JCI Block. The included block example provides a starting point for learning the process. From there, create a template, place the shortcode or block in a page, post, or Custom Post Type, and refine the output for your project.
