API (Application Programming Interface) Essential terms you should know.

API (Application Programming Interface) A Term You Need to Know

API (Application Programming Interface) refers to a set of protocols, routines, and tools for building software applications. An API specifies how software components should interact and APIs allow for communication between different systems and applications.

An API defines the way that a software program requests services or information from another program or service, and the way it specifies what data is exchanged. In other words, an API acts as a bridge between two different software systems, allowing them to communicate with each other and exchange data.

APIs can be used to access a wide range of services, such as web services, database services, and operating system services. They are commonly used to access data from external sources, such as social media platforms, or to integrate different software systems, such as payment gateways or shipping carriers. APIs can be public or private, and some require authentication to access.

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