In this post, we will explore some fundamental terms in the realm of data extraction and how they are applied in Stract’s functionalities.
Scheduling refers to programming automated tasks at specific times. In Stract, this includes executing saved Queries at defined intervals, such as hourly or daily.
Aggregation in Looker Studio refers to how the metric will be presented: SUM, Average, Count, etc. For example, if we have a metric of Impressions in Looker, it is generally summed up to represent the total impressions for the selected date in the dashboard.
However, when we aggregate the extracted CTR metric in a query as an average, we will obtain different data than what we see in the Manager. Learn more about how to work with Calculated metrics in Looker Studio.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are sets of protocols and essential tools for building software and applications.
APIs facilitate communication between different programs, allowing access to and extraction of data from various sources, such as Facebook Ads campaign data.
Fields are the metrics and dimensions available in each API, such as impressions, clicks, etc., essential for structuring data extraction.
Concatenation is the process of joining two text strings sequentially. In Stract, it is used to link two extractions, allowing the construction of a continuous database, particularly useful for temporary data, like Instagram Stories.
By using daily concatenation, it’s possible to build a daily database of story performance, circumventing the 24-hour limit of the Instagram Insights API.
Dimensions are attributes or characteristics of data used to organize and analyze information, such as region, country, gender, and age. In APIs like Facebook Ads, there are restrictions on the combinations of metrics and dimensions. Dimensions are sometimes also referred to as breakdowns or segments in the fields of APIs.
In the context of data analysis, the term granularity refers to the level of detail or subdivision in which data is structured. Highly granular data is very detailed, as it is divided into smaller components.
For example, a Facebook Ads extraction may contain data for Date and Campaign Name, but a more granular and complete extraction would also include data for Ad Set Name and Ad Name, thereby increasing the granularity of the data.
The main advantage of this approach is the flexibility that granular data offers. It can be combined and reformatted in various ways to meet different needs. However, the more granular an extraction, the greater the number of requests to the APIs, thus increasing the chances of being blocked by the platforms. Additionally, not all data can be combined.
Metrics are quantitative measures to evaluate and compare performance or output. In data analysis, they include variables such as conversion rate, user engagement, impressions, clicks, and revenue.
These are metrics created from operations or combinations of other metrics, such as CPM, CTR, and Frequency, allowing for more in-depth analysis.
However, when working with Calculated metrics in Looker Studio, it is important to consider the aggregation that the tool will apply.
A Query is a request to access specific information from a database or API. In Stract, Queries are fundamental for filtering and requesting data according to defined criteria.
Requests are orders sent to a server to access data or resources. In Stract, each Query represents one or more Requests to the APIs of the platforms.
The Sidebar is where we add add-ons in applications like Google Sheets, being a limited but crucial space for the functionality of Stract.
Webhooks are automatic triggers that transmit information to other systems in real-time when specific events occur.
In Stract, they can be used to build databases for platforms like Hotmart, RD Station, and others, such as collecting approved sales in Hotmart or registering new leads in RD Station.
Learn more about Webhooks and APIs.
