About
An API is a set of functions and procedures allowing the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system , application or other service1. In short it is a set of definitions and protocols for building and integrating application software 2. It is sometimes referred to as a contract between an information provider and an information user - establishing the content required form the consumer (the call) and the content required by the producer (the response). An API therefore provides a way of interacting with a computer or system to retrieve information or perform a function. It helps in communicating with the system so it understands and fulfill the request. It is a mediator between the users or clients and the resources or web services they want to get. It is also a way for organisations to share resources and information while maintaining security, control, and authentication - determining who gets access to what.
Example
The API design for a weather service could specify that the user supply a zip code and that the producer reply with a 2-part answer, the first being the high temperature, and the second being the low.
Links
Anki
What is an API?
Question
What is an API?
Answer
It is a set of functions and procedures allowing the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system, application or other service.
References
Bla.la. “What is the meaning of API”. Available at: https://en.bab.la/dictionary/english/api . (Accessed: 12 September 2024). ↩︎
RedHat. “RESTful API (REST API)”. Available at: https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/api/what-is-a-rest-api . (Accessed: ). ↩︎