What is cURL?

Written By Richard

Last updated 6 months ago

cURL (Client URL) is a command line tool used to send HTTP requests to APIs. It allows you to interact with any API endpoint by specifying things like:

  • URL (endpoint)

  • HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)

  • Headers (Authorization, Content-Type, etc.)

  • Query parameters

  • Request body (for POST/PUT)

A simple example:

curl https://api.example.com/users

A more advanced example:

curl -X POST https://api.example.com/users \
 -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
 -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
 -d '{"name":"John","email":"john@example.com"}'

Why cURL is useful

Many API providers give examples in cURL format because:

  • It is easy to copy and test

  • It shows all request details clearly

  • It works across all platforms

Using cURL in Sheetfetch

With Sheetfetch, you don’t need to manually configure API requests field by field.

👉 Just paste your cURL command, and Sheetfetch will automatically extract and fill in all required fields for you.

How it works in Sheetfetch

Step 1: Paste your cURL

Example:

curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/users?page=1" \
 -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Step 2: Auto parsing

Sheetfetch will automatically detect and fill:

  • Request URL → https://api.example.com/users

  • Method → GET

  • Query Params → page=1

  • Headers → Authorization

  • Body → (if exists)

Step 3: Ready to run

You can immediately:

  • Test the request

  • Map response data to Google Sheets

  • Schedule or automate

Benefits of using cURL in Sheetfetch

1. No manual setup

You don’t need to:

  • Copy endpoint manually

  • Re-enter headers

  • Configure body by hand

2. Faster integration

  • Copy from API docs

  • Paste into Sheetfetch

  • Done in seconds

3. Reduce errors

Manual input often causes mistakes like:

  • Wrong headers

  • Missing parameters

  • Incorrect JSON format

cURL import eliminates those issues.

When should you use cURL?

Use cURL in Sheetfetch when:

  • API documentation provides cURL examples

  • You already tested an API using Postman or terminal

  • You want the fastest way to create a connection

Summary

cURL is a standard way to represent API requests.

With Sheetfetch, you can:

  • Paste any cURL command

  • Automatically generate the full API request

  • Skip complex setup entirely

👉 This makes API integration much faster, easier, and beginner-friendly.