An application program interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. Basically, an API specifies how software components should interact. Additionally, APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI) components.
A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together. An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, database system, computer hardware, or software library. An API specification can take many forms, but often includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, variables, or remote calls. Documentation for the API usually is provided to facilitate usage and implementation.
In building applications, an API simplifies programming by abstracting the underlying implementation and only exposing objects or actions the developer needs. While a graphical interface for an email client might provide a user with a button that performs all the steps for fetching and highlighting new emails, an API for file input/output might give the developer a function that copies a file from one location to another without requiring that the developer understand the file system operations occurring behind the scenes.
Uses:
•Libraries and frameworks
•Operating systems
•Remote APIs
•Web APIs
Advantages offered by API integrations.
•Automating tasks: Integrations automate manual tasks to create a smooth, effortless transition between linked applications.
•Remaining relevant: APIs can provide essential cross functionality with current and up-and-coming apps that are vital to customers. The association with popular and trusted apps can also add valuable credibility to the brand.
•Creating new products: API integrations have the potential to yield entirely new products that can become a core offering. In the digital marketplace, creating new functionality between apps can create services that never existed before.
In building applications, an API simplifies programming by abstracting the underlying implementation and only exposing objects or actions the developer needs. While a graphical interface for an email client might provide a user with a button that performs all the steps for fetching and highlighting new emails, an API for file input/output might give the developer a function that copies a file from one location to another without requiring that the developer understand the file system operations occurring behind the scenes.
Uses:
•Libraries and frameworks
•Operating systems
•Remote APIs
•Web APIs
Advantages offered by API integrations.
•Automating tasks: Integrations automate manual tasks to create a smooth, effortless transition between linked applications.
•Remaining relevant: APIs can provide essential cross functionality with current and up-and-coming apps that are vital to customers. The association with popular and trusted apps can also add valuable credibility to the brand.
•Creating new products: API integrations have the potential to yield entirely new products that can become a core offering. In the digital marketplace, creating new functionality between apps can create services that never existed before.
