We announced in a previous post an easier way to test with the DFP API. We've iterated quickly and improved on that solution and we are also setting a date for the shutdown of the sandbox.

Test Accounts
When we initially launched the new test networks, you had to create a new Google account if you had any type of DFP network associated with the account. We've lifted this restriction. Now each Google account is always allowed to create a single test network using NetworkService.makeTestNetwork(). This means you can use the same google account for production and test networks.

Sandbox Shutdown
Now that we've given you a bit of time to switch off of the sandbox environment, we're announcing that we are shutting it down on May 24th, 2012. This allows for another month of testing, but we hope you will migrate to the new test networks as soon as possible.

Happy testing and stay tuned for more DFP API blog posts. Don't forget to join us on our next Hangout and, as always, let us know if you want to see any new features or blog posts on our forum.


 - Paul Rashidi, DFP API Team

We are pleased to announce a better way to develop and test your code with the DFP API. In v201203 you now have the ability to create a test network through a few easy steps. As an added bonus, you can now access the new test and production networks via the normal login screen. Read below for more information on the new self-service way of creating a development test environment for the API.

Create a Google Account
You'll first need a new Google account since you are only allowed one test network per email address. You'll use this account to authenticate with the API when creating the test network. There is no need to worry about your other DFP accounts and whether they have been linked, you only need a valid Google account.

Setup Your Client Library
As stated earlier, this feature is only available in the API so you'll need to set up your preferred client library in your development environment.

Execute the Example Code
Each of the client libraries has an example that you can run with your Google account credentials. This sample code executes the NetworkService.makeTestNetwork() service to create the network. After running this, your network will be ready to use and you will get a printout similar to the message below.

If you instead receive an error with the message
AuthenticationError.GOOGLE_ACCOUNT_ALREADY_ASSOCIATED_WITH_NETWORK
you will need to create a new Google account and try again.

Differences for the Test Network
A test network differs from a production network; in particular, a test network does not serve ads and can not be used in conjunction with any ad tags. As a result, the ForecastService provides mock forecasting information as specified in the documentation. Lastly, a test network offers only small business account features. If you need access to DFP Premium features contact your account manager for assistance.

Client Libraries
Once you've made the transition to a new test network you will no longer need to use the sandbox options in the client libraries. The new test networks utilize the same API endpoint as your production network so you only have to change your credentials and network code when preparing your code for a production release.

Sandbox Deprecation
In the coming months we will be phasing out support for the sandbox networks. Please take the time to migrate to a test network to ensure your testing is not interrupted.

Stay tuned for more DFP API blog posts including one discussing forecasting in the test networks. As always, let us know if you want to see any new features or blog posts on our forum.


 - Paul Rashidi, DFP API Team

The newest version of the API, v201203, is at your service. It includes a brand new testing environment, read-only access to video creatives, team level filtering, and more. A full list of features can be found on our release notes page.

Test networks

Starting in v201203, you’ll be able to create test networks, which offer a wider range of functionality than the existing sandbox networks. To create test networks, you'll need a new Google account. Once you’ve called NetworkService.makeTestNetwork() with that account, you’ll sign in to test networks the same way as production, without having to sign up for a DFP account. Additionally, all SOAP requests can now be sent to https://www.google.com instead of https://sandbox.google.com; moving from test networks to production now will only require you to change your network code. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post in which we will detail how to use these new networks and our plans for the legacy sandbox environment.

Network codes

In the previous versions, network codes were only required if you belonged to more than one network. Beginning in v201203, network codes will now be required for all requests except NetworkService.getAllNetworks() and NetworkService.makeTestNetwork(). This change will reduce latency for some requests and will make it easier for you to keep track of which requests are going to which networks, especially now that test and production networks have the same domain for requests.

Video creatives

Video creatives are now read-only accessible through the CreativeService. We plan to expose more functionality going forward, but we understand the current need of publishers and 3rd parties to report on and analyze what creatives exist in their network. Look out for more work coming in this area.

Teams

v201201 introduced teams and, as we mentioned, promised future functionality of filtering objects by those teams. In v201203, you’ll be able to set team IDs on inventory, orders, and company. Then, when calls are made with that user, only objects that belong to their team will be returned. You will also receive an error if you attempt to update an object that you don’t have access to.

Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts on the new test networks and network service best practices. As always, let us know if you want to see any new features or blog posts on our forum.

- Adam Rogal, DFP API Team