Meaning of API In 2022

 

Meaning of API


Introduction 

What is an API? API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is one of the most used methods for sharing data among two and many applications over a network. 

In simple terms, it is a bundle of software, programs, and network technology. The bundle works as a unit to transfer data among applications. 

It maintains the security of the mediums involved in the exchange of data. The devices are not aware of the implementation method. 

A simple example of API in daily life is the cash withdrawal transaction from an ATM. Your bank account balance gets updated after the transaction is complete. The operation involves the API used for updating your bank account balance.

Yes, it is this simple to understand an API and its use. You don't have to know the functionality of how the account balance gets updated. 

The bank does not have to know who is the user behind the transaction. It identifies the record based on the credentials provided during the withdrawal transaction.

Applications of API

APIs are in almost every area of life and business. They are one of the secure ways for data transmission. Here are some of the most common applications of API: 

  • Login - Logout mechanisms 
  • Live weather data streaming 
  • Online payment applications 
  • Online ticket bookings 
  • OTT platforms for multimedia streaming 


Benefits of API 

Now you know the various areas where APIs use exists in daily life. Let's learn are benefits of using API. 

Integration

Integration is one of the powerful benefits that API provides. With the use of API, you can combine many third-party applications. APIs allow you to set up communication between many applications without any complexities. 

Using API, you can even communicate with other applications through your custom application. 

Expansion 

Expansion is the by-product of integration. With integration, businesses can expand their operation over many platforms. They can provide high-quality, effective services to their customers. 

For Example, many applications can use Google Maps in their applications. It is possible to include google maps with the help of the API provided by Google for maps. 

Innovation 

Businesses and organizations can make use of API to innovate products. These products gather data from many sources with the help of API.  Businesses analyze this data to develop customer-centric solutions.

Types of API 

There are many types of API in the technology industry today. Each one of them has features and purpose. The API world is improving over time to provide the best functionalities. 

Here are some of the types of API in many applications: 

  • Public API's 
  • Private API's
  • Composite API's
  • Partner API's

Public API's

Public APIs are the APIs that are available for everyone to use. You can use such APIs in your applications without taking permission from others. They don't have restrictions on their usage. 

Example: OAuth API from Google

Private APIs

Enterprises and businesses develop private APIs for their organization. These APIs are not available to everyone. 

Only enterprises can use these APIs for their purpose. 

With the help of private APIs, enterprises improve their operations and functionalities. 

Composite APIs

Composite API is a bundle of many APIs. Such APIs address complex functionalities without any complications. 

Partner APIs

Partner APIs is the API that is available for the public to use but at a cost or license. Businesses develop partner API to provide specific functionality to their customers. 

Conclusion 

API is a software code performing single to many functionalities. They help in the secure transmission of data between many applications. They are versatile, efficient, and easy to develop. 

You can even combine many APIs in an application to achieve complex functionality. Thus, using API helps you reduce the development time of your application. 

API is present in almost every application today. You also learned the types of APIs that exist. Each API has a different purpose and level of access and use.

You can use API according to your business requirements. You can develop solutions according to your customer demand.   

Do let me know if you have any doubts about API's in the comments below. I would be happy to answer them. 

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