GZIP Compression

GZIP speeds up the load time for API-dependant services and reduces the bandwidth requirements for API-driven applications

In order to support and drive the most positive partner experience possible, Expedia is transitioning GZIP from an optional feature to a required feature.

What is GZIP?

GZIP is an Internet standard, lossless, data-compression technology supported by nearly all distributed web application components.

When used in conjunction with API query and response, GZIP compression can reduce the size of the API response by a factor of 4 to 10 times. This, in turn, reduces both the bandwidth required to receive the API response, and reduces the round trip load time for any application that depends on real-time API calls.

In short, inclusion of GZIP will make your website or application load faster and cost less, all because you included one additional header element.

How is GZIP Integrated?

Integration of GZIP for partners is simple, you only need to include the following header into each API query:

Accept-Encoding:gzip

Which XAP APIs Support GZIP?

GZIP compression is supported on the Search and Details APIs, as well as other selected APIs within the XAP Platform that have large response messages. Information on whether a particular API supports GZIP can be found within the 'Configuration' section of each APIs documentation page.

Currently, the following XAP APIs support GZIP compression:

XAP Car APIs

• Car Listings API
• Car Details API

Why is Expedia Planning to Make GZIP a Required Technology?

• Using GZIP significantly decreases the size of API responses with no loss of data integrity.
• Using GZIP significantly increases the speed of API-driven websites and applications.
• Using GZIP significantly decreases the cost of owning API-driven websites, applications, and platforms.

For all of the above reasons, driving the universal XAP adoption of GZIP will drive universal improvement for both Expedia and Expedia partners.