Technology Fundamentals
API
Definition
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information.
Why It Matters
APIs are the backbone of the modern web, enabling services to integrate and share data seamlessly. They allow developers to leverage existing functionality from other services without having to build it from scratch, accelerating innovation.
Contextual Example
When you use a weather app on your phone, the app sends a request to a weather service's API to get the latest forecast data. The API returns the data, which the app then displays in a user-friendly format.
Common Misunderstandings
- An API is not a database. It's an interface to access and manipulate data, but not the data storage itself.
- Not all APIs are public or free. Many are private for internal use or require payment for access.