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  •   over 14 years ago

Using the data VS using the API

It looks like most of the data available from the API is available in CSV files from ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/time.series/oe/.  Are we allowed to import the CSV files into a database and use the data that way?  The reason that I ask is that I can't see how to retrieve some statistics without making multiple calls to the API, but I could manage it in one call using a SQL JOIN if I was using the data directly in a database.

  • 2 comments

  • Manager   •   over 14 years ago

    Great question. The APIs are being provided to help make the data easier to use, ensure that you always have the most up-to-date date, and to make the challenges accessible to programmers of various skill levels. As you noted, the data is also available in other formats and in other locations. You don’t have to use the API, but we certainly encourage it hope you’ll find them useful.

  •   •   over 14 years ago

    PHP sample given does not seem to work;
    The code used(note the code was used as suggested):
    '10', 'select' => 'AgencyName');
    //echo $arguments
    //Make API call
    //$results = $request->callAPI($method, $arguments);
    //if (is_string($results)) {
    //handle error
    //} else {
    //handle success
    //}
    ?>

    Error Generated:

    ( ! ) Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_VARIABLE in C:\angular\angular-phonecat\app\phpTest\dolphptest.php on line 11

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