Systems
API (Application Programming Interface)
Also known as: Application Programming Interface
Plain English
A way for glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term to talk to each other.
Definition
An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term or applications to communicate and exchange glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term.
In practice
Used to connect glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term, enable glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term, and allow glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term to request or send data to each other.
In context
It becomes a design surface the moment anyone external depends on it. Once published, the shape of the glossaryResponseA response is the data or result returned by a server after receiving a request.Open glossary term is a promise you cannot quietly change.
The reality
APIs are often inconsistent, poorly documented, or change over time, causing glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term issues.
Compared with
API vs Integration
The API is the contract: what can be requested and what comes back. glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term is what someone glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term against it. A well-designed API makes integrations cheap; a poor one makes every consumer solve the same problems.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is an API?
It is a set of rules that allows glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term to communicate and exchange glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term.
Why are APIs important?
They enable glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term and glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term sharing between glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
What are examples of APIs?
Payment APIs, social media APIs, and glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term.
What problems do APIs cause?
Inconsistency, breaking changes, and poor documentation.
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