Dropbox API v2 Moves Out of Preview

Dropbox has announced that API v2 is now generally available for production apps. The update, previewed in April, aims to deliver a simpler, more consistent, and broader API based on developer feedback gathered during the preview period.

Alongside the API itself, Dropbox is shipping new documentation, SDKs, and an API Explorer tool for testing calls directly from the browser.

Consistent SDKs Across Languages

Four official SDKs are available at launch: Swift, Python, .NET, and Java. Dropbox notes that more SDKs are in the works. All SDKs and documentation are managed through a code generation process, which is intended to keep the libraries consistent across languages and easier to update when new API features ship.

Stable File Identifiers

A major addition in API v2 is support for file IDs, a long-requested feature. A file ID is a unique identifier that stays constant even when a user moves the file. This lets developers track files by ID rather than by path, preventing apps from losing track of content when users reorganize their folders.

API v2 expands sharing capabilities beyond simply creating shared links. Apps can now list and revoke existing shared links. For the first time, they can also programmatically share folders, and manage folder policies and membership. This opens the door for new collaborative app workflows built around group sharing.

Testing With the API Explorer

The new Dropbox API Explorer allows developers to issue API calls directly in the browser. It is designed as the quickest route to understanding the new endpoints, with example requests and responses shown inline.

Additional Refinements

Several smaller improvements are included. Full-text search is now supported on the /files/search endpoint for Dropbox Business accounts. The /files/list_folder endpoint has also been reworked to combine listing folder contents with fetching updates, reducing the number of calls needed to keep folder state synchronized.

Forthcoming Betas

While API v2 is production-ready, not everything has left beta. The Dropbox Business API v2 and the new shared folder endpoints are still in beta so developers can provide feedback before a final release. Dropbox says more endpoints, SDKs, and tutorials are planned, and invites developers to try API v2 now and submit input through the API Development forum.