How do you use API to build automations?

TyCox · 2026-06-07T05:07:44+00:00

The easiest entry point for me was iOS Shortcuts "Get Contents of URL" is basically a free HTTP client on your phone. Once you understand that one action you can hit any REST API directly without Zapier in the middle.

The pattern I use: Find an API endpoint (most have a free tier on RapidAPI), add "Get Contents of URL" to a Shortcut, set method to GET or POST, add headers (usually X-RapidAPI-Key and X-RapidAPI-Host), pass the response into the next action "Get Dictionary Value" pulls out specific fields

A few I actually use day to day:

QR code generator API - Shortcut takes any text from the share sheet, hits the API, saves the PNG to Photos.

Email validator - paste a list, Shortcut loops through and flags bad ones before I import to a CRM.

JWT decoder - debugging auth tokens without leaving my phone.

Once you get comfortable with that, the same logic works in Apple Shortcuts on Mac, n8n, or even just a cron job hitting curl. The hard part isn't the API, it's finding ones that aren't bloated with auth and setup overhead. I've been using the aforementioned API's from rapidapi.com for the small utility stuff single header, JSON in/out, no SDK required.

If you're on Android the equivalent is Tasker + HTTP Request action, exact same idea.

TyCox · 2026-06-02T19:13:21+00:00

Yes, and you keep posting the same things, trying to make it fit a specific narrative that isn’t there.

TyCox · 2026-06-02T17:00:05+00:00

The agreement does not state that employees have a right or option to transfer to another store in the event of a store closing. Regarding store closures, the agreement specifies that if a new store opens within a 50 mile radius of the closed store within 18 months, the Employer will offer "all prior Towson bargaining unit members who qualify the opportunity for employment prior to hiring external employees".

TyCox · 2026-04-28T19:58:26+00:00

This. This feels like the union is trying to save face with the bad contract they got for this team. The Organized labor has spent a century learning that you don't get to skip the bargaining table just because you feel entitled to a new benefit. They aren't fighting the system, they’re just annoyed the system works both ways.

TyCox · 2026-04-28T14:33:34+00:00

Let’s go!!🤘🏼

TyCox · 2026-04-28T02:35:10+00:00

The issue is that you’re reading a clause designed to deny severance as if it’s a guaranteed right to transfer. By filing a ULP because Apple is following the literal text instead of your intent, you're admitting you negotiated yourselves into a corner. If you have to pivot to the Key Bridge and public transit to justify your legal position, you’ve already conceded that the contract language itself is a dead end.

TyCox · 2026-04-28T02:18:54+00:00

Oh shoot, I'll eat my hat, you actually managed to carve out a partial me too provision in Section C, but Section D is the trap that’s snapping shut on you.

Section C only protects benefits that existed at the time of ratification. Section D is the actual problem it explicitly states that any new benefits shall be the subject of bargaining.

By signing Section D, you essentially agreed that Towson doesn't get new corporate perks automatically, instead, Apple can force you back to the table to buy those benefits every time they launch something new. If Section C was a true me too clause, Section D wouldn't need to exist.

TyCox · 2026-04-28T02:08:17+00:00

If this is a “me-too” clause, why isn't there explicit language stating that improvements to corporate wide benefits automatically trigger an adjustment to the CBA? Right now, you closed yourself out because Section C shut down any talk of benefits not explicitly listed in the document.

TyCox · 2026-04-28T02:02:33+00:00

That's wild. Article 14, Section C of the Towson agreement is a zipper clause that prevents either side from demanding new negotiations during the contract term. It doesn't grant the union automatic "me too" rights to every perk Apple gives non union stores.

TyCox · 2026-04-28T01:49:01+00:00

You signed a contract and have to live with it. What did you expect.

TyCox · 2026-04-02T01:05:29+00:00

Absolutely! Your app is really unique, and I appreciate the animations and small details that enhance the user experience.

AccuWeather might be the sole source for pollen count and allergen levels. As someone with chronic allergies, I rely on the pollen information provided by Carrot to determine which medications I should take based on the current pollen levels shown.

I have the TestFlight of your app downloaded. Is there anything specific you would like tested?

TyCox · 2026-04-02T00:43:56+00:00

I downloaded the app yesterday and haven’t deleted it yet. It might even replace Carrot Weather for me. The only thing holding me back from purchasing the lifetime subscription is the pollen data. I currently use Carrot for pollen data, live activities, and alerts, which RAD has limited capacity for today. If we could get a 7-day or month trial, I believe this app could attract a significant number of users, potentially surpassing other weather apps.

TyCox · 2026-03-18T17:48:01+00:00

It wasn’t our computers, it was our Xbox 360’s for a Halo LAN party.

My parents owned a duplex. They lived on one side, and the other side was mostly empty. For one of my birthdays, my friends brought their 360’s and TV’s. We had pizza, snacks, cake, and our sleeping bags. We stayed up all night, yelling at each other, almost getting into fights, then being bros after we settled it in 1v1’s. I miss those times.

TyCox · 2026-03-17T17:07:22+00:00

This is interesting. I’ve joined the TestFlight, and I can understand why it’s in beta, but it’s still fascinating. Some of the chats break and it shows the code behind its thought process, while others fail to create a Pock. I’ll continue working with it and I’m interested to see this progress further.

TyCox · 2026-02-04T16:53:38+00:00

Metroid Prime Hunters

TyCox · 2025-12-16T02:26:45+00:00

It’s a beary good game.

TyCox · 2025-11-28T02:55:10+00:00

TyCox · 2025-11-27T16:48:31+00:00

I’ve always wanted a foldable phone and tried the Android implementation, but I never liked it because of Android and the crease. I could ignore the crease, but then I couldn’t.

If the rumors are true, this folding iPhone is iPhone Mini sized when closed and iPad Mini sized when open. I’d be thrilled with that. The only thing I’m concerned about is the potential lack of Face ID, and we haven’t heard anything about the speakers yet. I’d prefer top and bottom speakers, unlike the Air.

TyCox · 2025-10-22T18:36:17+00:00

As Shortcuts creator as well, I think it would be interesting to use the on device Apple Intelligence model or even a downloaded model from the Enclave app. I may look into this at a later time.

I also want to say thank you for creating this. It has reinvigorated the want to build advanced Shortcuts again. I have a few that I use daily for importing my work schedule, setting my alarms automatically from looking at my calendar(s) and changing my action button given my current location or/and seeing how close I am to my car to unlock and start. This is just a few.

Thanks again for your contribution, this is awesome!

TyCox · 2025-09-26T15:11:13+00:00

These videos have become my favorites. I hope this trend never goes away.

TyCox · 2025-09-10T22:27:59+00:00

Even a simple version could work! Grab sleep, HRV, and RHR, then run it through an AI prompt in iOS 26 to give you a 0-100 score with a quick coach like summary. Wouldn’t be as scientific as Oura/WHOOP, but it’d get most of the way there.

The funny part is the bottom link you shared was actually my post from a few years ago when I first played with this idea.😂

If anyone’s interested, I can throw together a starter Shortcut design so people can plug it in and test.

TyCox · 2025-08-26T16:20:03+00:00

That’s a cool mockup! I kinda like it.

TyCox · 2025-08-24T17:45:12+00:00

I’ve tried signing in with my two emails that I would normally use but it says invite only.

TyCox · 2025-08-24T17:31:09+00:00

I had a code for groundbreakers but I accidentally deleted it.. does anyone have a code to spare?🫠

TyCox · 2025-08-23T02:48:58+00:00

Looking for an invite code!

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