The VMC on AWS API is the primary method for automating and programmatically managing resources in a VMC on AWS Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC). This API provides a comprehensive set of actions that enables customers and partners to integrate their workflows and tools to manage and automate tasks within the VMC on AWS environment. The API endpoint can execute various functions, such as creating, scaling, and managing SDDCs and adding and removing ESXi hosts. Additionally, the API is used for network operations, including creating and managing virtual networks, firewalls, and security groups. Moreover, the VMC API can retrieve information on tasks and events within the VMC environment.
The VMC API is a RESTful API, which means it can be consumed using any programming language or client that can communicate over HTTP. The API provides flexibility by allowing easy integration into existing tools and workflows. Additionally, the open source vSphere Automation SDKs are available in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and Ruby, providing a set of libraries and helper functions to make it easier to work with the VMC API. The features of VMC can also be accessed through the command line with PowerCLI or the Data Center CLI (DCLI).
The VMC API comes with a built-in API Explorer that enables users to test and explore the API’s features without any code. This feature simplifies the discovery and testing of the API’s functionality and can be accessed through the VMware Cloud Console.
SDDC APIs (vSphere API)
The group of APIs used for managing SDDCs are collectively known as SDDC APIs. The SDDC APIs share the same vSphere APIs that VMware customers are already familiar with and have been using in on-premises vSphere environments. These APIs are provided by VMware’s vSphere platform, enabling programmatic access to the capabilities and functionalities of an SDDC, including managing virtual machines, networks, and storage. Using these APIs, customers can automate and integrate their workflows with the SDDC, simplifying the management and expansion of their infrastructure. Since VMware Cloud on AWS is a managed service the permissions for the SDDC APIs are restricted compared to the on-premises vSphere APIs.
The SDDC APIs are RESTful APIs that can be consumed over HTTP using various programming languages and tools, including the vSphere SDKs and PowerCLI. The SDDC APIs is typically used by system administrators, developers, and other IT professionals to automate and manage the VMware Cloud SDDC efficiently and consistently. Some of the tasks used to automate using the API include creating and managing virtual machines, networks, and storage, and monitoring and troubleshooting the SDDC environment.