What is the Google Drive API? #

In simple words: it help us to send HTTP requests in a way that the Google servers can accept, allowing us to manipulate the the Google Drive files.

Types of Authentication #

The first step is to decide the authentication method, here are the option and use cases:

• API key #

  Use this credential to access publicly-available data anonymously, this means files set as "anyone with the link".

• OAuth client ID #

  Use this credential to authenticate as an end user and access their data. Requires your app to request and receive consent from the user.

• Service account #

  Use this credential to authenticate as a service account or to access files on behalf of Google Workspace. This service accounts can't be accessed using a username or password.

How to Get the corresponding API credentials: #

• API key #

  Go to https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentials > Create Credentials > API Key

  !Alert: This API key is normally exposed to the public, so you may want to restrict the API, because its usage will count towards your account.

• OAuth client ID #

  Go to https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentials > Create Credentials > OAuth client ID

• Service Accounts #

  Go to https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentials > Create Credentials > Service account