What is an API?
What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate with each other. For example, when you send a message on WhatsApp or check the weather on your phone, you are using an API.
APIs allow your device and the server to share only the necessary data without granting full access to each other, ensuring secure communication.
How Does an API Work?
When you use an app on your phone, the app connects to the internet and sends data to a server. The server processes this data and sends back the necessary information. The app then receives, interprets, and presents this data to you in a readable format. This entire process happens through an API.
Bridge the Gap! Connect, Communicate, Create with APIs.
An API (Application Programming Interface) acts as a mediator between different software systems, facilitating communication and data exchange. Much like a waiter in a restaurant who takes your order and brings your food from the kitchen, an API receives requests, processes them, and returns information. For example, online flight search services use APIs to retrieve flight details from various airlines' databases, allowing users to see the most current information. APIs are crucial for secure data sharing, as they limit access to only what's necessary. In the digital economy, many companies, such as Google and Amazon, monetize their APIs, which are built to industry standards like HTTP and REST, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and well-documented.