Sendgrid-python: Adding new recipients to lists vs. segments (contactdb)

[alexpetralia]

What is the difference between a segment and a list on this "Examples" page?

https://github.com/sendgrid/sendgrid-python/blob/master/examples/contactdb/contactdb.py

It looks like, from all the SendGrid docs, "Lists" were phased out and "Segments" are the only things that are used to manage Contacts now.

But if that's the case, it's not entirely clear from these examples how to "Add a new recipient" to a Segment. I figure it is a POST but I don't think it's documented. It's a bit confusing to see all these list endpoints when the SendGrid dashboard doesn't really support Lists anymore. Maybe I am missing something?

[thinkingserious]

Hello @alexpetralia,

Does this documentation help?

With Best Regards,

Elmer

[alexpetralia]

Sort of - I'm still not sure why we should use the Lists APIs if they're unavailable in the actual dashboard or user interface of SendGrid (as though they are being phased out). Can I use Segments exclusively instead of Lists (since they are available both over UI and API)?

[ben-grid]

Hey @alexpetralia

Both lists and segments are available via API and UI.

Also, to answer your earlier question, the difference is that lists are static (or at list semi static) while segments are dynamic. Lists only change if you explicitly upload a CSV (UI) or make an API request to add contacts to them. Segments on the other hand include or exclude contacts based on segmentation criteria, so they can change based on contact field data changes, whether those came from uploads/API requests or not. For example, you can create a segment of everyone who clicked on campaign X, as users click on that campaign, they are added to that segment without you taking any explicit action.

Does that help clarify?

[alexpetralia]

Ahh I see now how to create lists in the UI (sort of tucked away in Add Contacts -> Upload CSV).

This does clarify quite a bit. Thanks for the help!

[ben-grid]

Hey @alexpetralia In case you have the time & interest, we are working on a new version of the MC API, and would love your feedback if you've got 30 mins to spare for a zoom call. If you're down, grab a time here: https://calendly.com/veronica-hudson/30min

[alexpetralia]

Hi Ben - I've starred this email and will get back to you in a few weeks. I
haven't dedicated any time to using SendGrid so far so once I do more, I'll
let you know. Thanks!

On Thu, Mar 28, 2019 at 3:47 PM Ben Golden [e-mail] wrote:

Hey @alexpetralia https://github.com/alexpetralia In case you have the
time & interest, we are working on a new version of the MC API, and would
love your feedback if you've got 30 mins to spare for a zoom call. If
you're down, grab a time here: https://calendly.com/veronica-hudson/30min

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Alex Petralia
Founder, Gourmay https://gourmay.io