Application programming interface

An application programming interface (API) is a set of functions, procedures, methods or classes used by computer programs to request services from the operating system, software libraries or any other service providers running on the computer.^[1] A computer programmer uses the API to make application programs.

An API works by communicating with and exchanging data with other systems, acting as a messenger between the user and the system to retrieve the necessary data the user is requesting from the system.

Main types of web APIs:^[2]

Open APIs - available to the public; they can be accessed by any external users.
Partner APIs - available to strategic business partners; they are exposed to a public API developer portal.
Internal APIs - available to a company's internal development teams; they are exposed to a private API developer portal.
Composite APIs - are a sequence of tasks bundled into a single API call.

Types of API include web services API like the Twitter API, which allows programs to use the API to receive updates on tweets.

References

↑ "What is an API (Application Programming Interface)?". Data Basecamp. 2022-07-23. Archived from the original on 2022-08-06. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
↑ Defranchi, Lydia (2024-03-28). "Different types of APIs explained: styles, protocols, audiences + real-life examples". Axway Software. Archived from the original on 2022-08-17. Retrieved 2020-04-30.

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[1] "What is an API (Application Programming Interface)?". Data Basecamp. 2022-07-23. Archived from the original on 2022-08-06. Retrieved 2022-08-11.

[2] Defranchi, Lydia (2024-03-28). "Different types of APIs explained: styles, protocols, audiences + real-life examples". Axway Software. Archived from the original on 2022-08-17. Retrieved 2020-04-30.

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