Definition:
An API is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and share data seamlessly. APIs act as intermediaries between systems.
Key Benefits:
- Simplifies integration between software.
- Reduces development time for new features.
- Enhances scalability and modularity.
Use Cases:
- Payment Gateways: APIs like Stripe or PayPal for transactions.
- Social Media Integration: Sharing posts via Facebook or Twitter APIs.
- Data Access: Using APIs to fetch weather or financial data.
Core Types:
- REST (Representational State Transfer)
- SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
- GraphQL
Related Terms: SDK, endpoint, middleware.
