Repair is better than recycle and the web can help. Build a repair app using a new repair API and save the planet an appliance at a time.

What is a repair API? In this case the answer is surprisingly simple. It is an API that has been implemented to  allow you to use and create a database of repair manuals and guides. The API has been introduced by ifixit.com to try to extend its reach to third party apps. 

The argument goes that until recently users could download repair guides in PDF format but now there are iOS and Android devices it makes sense that users will want to follow instructions provided by their tablets and smartphones.

The idea of the API is to provide access to photos and repair manuals but it is up to you to think up an idea that pushes the envelope. You may not think that the idea of enabling users to repair things is an important or exciting application area but repair is gaining ground as a better alternative to recycling. The green credentials of repair are growing as is its importance in the developing world.  Electronic waste is a growing disposal problem because it contains toxic chemicals.

The API can be used for free for non-commercial projects. If you do plan to make a lot of use then a license will have to be arranged. Currently it doesn't provide access to the parts or answers in the Q&A database. A reference implementation is available for the iPad and a website widget.

More information:

http://www.ifixit.com/

http://www.ifixit.com/blog/blog/2010/12/17/the-worlds-first-repair-api/

http://www.ifixit.com/api/0.1/doc