---
title: Getting started
description: The WP Data Access REST API was originally designed to support plugin features but can also be leveraged by external applications. It allows external apps to connect to all local and remote databases registered in WP Data Access. Below is…
url: "https://docs.legacy.wpdataaccess.com/docs/getting-started-rest-api/"
updated: "2025-11-26"
category: Data Explorer / REST API
---

# Getting started

The WP Data Access REST API was originally designed to support plugin features but can also be leveraged by external applications. It allows external apps to connect to all local and remote databases registered in WP Data Access. Below is an overview of the available endpoints.

## STEP 1 - Enable the REST API

Before using the WP Data Access REST API, you must enable it for your database table and view. This can be done through the Data Explorer:

1. Click the **Manage** link or icon.
2. Select **Settings** from the menu.
3. Open the **REST API** section.
4. Click **Enable REST API**.

## STEP 2 - Enable required **actions**, HTTP **methods,** and **authorization**

### Supported Actions

- Select
- Insert
- Update
- Delete

### Supported HTTP Methods

You can activate one or both of the following methods per action:

- GET
- POST

If no method is selected, the action will not be available for the table/view.

### Authorization

Control access by granting permissions to specific WordPress users or roles, or enable anonymous access if needed.

## Available Endpoints

The REST API includes six endpoints for managing tables and views:

- [**/wpda/table/meta**](/docs/wpda-table-meta/)
  - Returns table/view meta data
- [**/wpda/table/select**](/docs/wpda-table-select/)
  -  Returns dataset from table/view
- [**/wpda/table/get**](/docs/wpda-table-get/)
  - Returns single row from table/view
- [**/wpda/table/insert**](/docs/wpda-table-insert/)
  - Performs insert on table
- [**/wpda/table/update**](/docs/wpda-table-update/)
  - Performs update on table
- [**/wpda/table/delete**](/docs/wpda-table-delete/)
  - Performs delete on table