Server-Side Grist API Access

Developers
1

Hi All,

I’m exploring how to integrate Grist as a backend data source for another website. I understand that Grist provides a REST API for accessing personal data, but I’m wondering if there’s a way to access Grist data server-side on behalf of users authenticated via SSO.

Use case:

  • Users log into an external website using SSO.
  • Based on their identity, the website fetches data from Grist via its API.
  • The data must respect Grist’s built-in ACL permissions, so each user only sees the data they’re authorized to access.

The goal is to use Grist as a backend database for an external web app, with per-user access control.
Does Grist support this kind of integration?

2 Likes
2

Hi there,

Your use case really caught my attention, as it’s very similar to a project I’m planning. I’ve already asked two different AIs about it: one said “yes, you can,” while the other cautioned “go ahead, but with precautions,” since it isn’t a natively supported feature on the platform.
At this point, it would be great to hear from an expert who’s tackled something like this and can share some guidance.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

3

In Grist API, there’s a filter parameter, right? I think you can do that based on the logged in user in your app.