API

TL;DR

• A specification of rules and tools that enables different software applications to communicate.
• An API is composed of endpoints, methods (often HTTP verbs), parameters, responses, and authentication.
• Common real-world uses include social media, maps, payments, and weather services.

Definition

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of protocols and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.

Explanation

An API defines how software programs interact by specifying the components and rules for requests and responses.

• API endpoints

  • The URL where an API can be accessed; the address used to make a request and receive a response. Example endpoint: “https://api.weather.com/current”.

• API methods

  • The actions available through the API, typically represented as HTTP verbs such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. Example method name: “getCurrentWeather”.

• API parameters

  • Data provided to the API to customize a request. Example parameter: “location” to specify the place for which to retrieve weather data.

• API responses

  • The data the API returns in reply to a request, for example current temperature, humidity, and wind speed for a specified location.

• API authentication

  • The process of verifying that a requester is authorized to use the API, commonly using an API key or other security token. The API provider issues the key or token required to access the API.

Examples

Social Media APIs

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter provide APIs that allow software programs to access and interact with their data. For example, a social media management tool might use the Facebook API to allow users to schedule posts, monitor their pages, and track engagement metrics.

Map APIs

Map APIs allow software programs to access and manipulate map data. For example, a ride-sharing app might use a map API to display the location of nearby drivers and allow users to request a ride.

Payment APIs

Payment APIs allow software programs to integrate with payment gateways and process transactions. For example, an e-commerce platform might use a payment API to allow users to make purchases using their credit card or other payment methods.

Weather APIs

Weather APIs allow software programs to access and display weather data. For example, a weather app might use a weather API to retrieve the current weather conditions for a specific location and display them on the user’s screen.

Related terms

• Endpoint
• HTTP verbs (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
• Parameter
• Response
• Authentication (API key, security token)