Application programming interface (API) is a software intermediary between two applications that interact with each other. It connects two computers or computer programs through an interface.
Don't confuse this interface with the user interface, which connects a person to a computer or computer program. The API connects pieces of software and computers together and is not intended for direct use by the end user, except by a programmer who wants to integrate it into a software solution.
APIs simplify programming and can actually hide the internal details of a system, such as how it works, and expose useful parts to a programmer, keeping the parts consistent despite internal changes. Nowadays you can find a wide variety of APIs for various purposes, such as operating systems, software libraries, programming languages , computer greece whatsapp number data hardware, etc.
Additionally, building an API requires you to follow a standard or document called an API specification that tells you how to use or build an API.
APIs consist of many different parts that act as a collection of services or tools for the programmer to use. The programmer or program that uses these parts must first make a "call" or request. These calls are called requests, methods, endpoints, or subroutines. You can make four types of requests with the API: GET, PUT, DELETE, and POST.
Components of an API
APIs include technical specifications that explain the exchange of data between services through data processing and delivery requests. They also have a software interface that allows applications to exchange information. APIs also have:
Protocols: These are a set of rules to define how applications interact with each other, such as HTTP , SOAP, XML-RPC, REST, etc.
Format: This is the style of data exchange between applications. It defines how the API will retrieve data and deliver it to consumers. The API can make requests over a protocol and retrieve information in a given format, such as XML or JSON response.
Procedures: These are specific tasks or functions that an application performs.
Tools: These are used to build APIs. You can find many tools available to build, test, and manage your APIs, such as AWS, IBM Cloud, SoapUI, JMeter, etc.
How to display the last updated date on WordPress posts and pages?
-
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Mon Dec 23, 2024 3:48 am