What is an API? Application Programming Interface

It connects to a provider’s server on one end and also anchors the client’s server on the other end. It then tenders the client’s request to the data source (provider’s server) and returns a response to the client. This same principle is used on modern mobile operating systems like iOS and Android, where mobile apps have permissions that can be enforced by controlling access to APIs. For example, if a developer tries to access the camera via the camera API, you can deny the permission request and the app has no way of accessing your device’s camera.

what does api stand for

An API is a set of commands, functions, and protocols which programmers can use when building software for a specific OS or any other software. The API allows programmers to use predefined functions to interact with the operating system, instead of writing them from scratch. All computer operating systems, such as Windows, Unix, and the Mac OS and language such as Java provide an application program interface for programmers. Web APIs transfer requests from web applications and server responses via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), representing a client-server architecture.

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You even use them daily while operating your mobile phone, PC, or while browsing the internet. Because, as Nordic APIs explains, API platforms are market disruptors that have the potential to transform entire industries. It’s also one of the most promising ways to build a platform-based business. This gateway can figure out what a specific API client wants and then route them to the appropriate place.

A property API transfers real-time property listing data from the MLS to a real estate application or to an agent website, allowing users to gain insights into local properties. APIs allow developers to save time by taking advantage of a platform’s implementation to do the nitty-gritty work. This helps reduce the amount of code developers need to create, and also helps create more consistency across apps for the same platform. An API a set of programming instructions and functions used to access a website or web-based software application. An API allows other developers to use your application’s data and functionality.

An extraordinarily brief history of APIs

This app could be expensive to develop, limited by platform, and require long development times and ongoing maintenance. Microservices architecture has become more prevalent with the rise of cloud computing, and, together with containers and Kubernetes, is api explanation foundational to cloud native application development. As the use of web APIs has increased, certain protocols have been developed to provide users with a set of defined rules, or API specifications, that create accepted data types, commands and syntax.

  • You can secure your API communication using protocols like HTTPS to encrypt the transmitted data.
  • By following these best practices, developers can create effective API documentation that helps users integrate and use the API successfully.
  • With real-time access to ATTOM’s property data for use in your website and/or applications, built upon the ATTOM data warehouse with scalable pricing and packaging.
  • When you send a request to an API, you will get back a response.
  • Every time you use a rideshare app, send a mobile payment, or change the thermostat temperature from your phone, you’re using an API.