API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols through which various software applications can interact with each other and exchange data, thereby increasing functionality and efficiency
API Types
- Web API (HTTP API or REST API) they provide communication between various web services via the Internet.
- The operating system APIs define how applications use the resources and services of the operating system.
- Database APIs provide communication between the application and the database management system.
- Hardware APIs enable applications to interact with hardware, such as a printer or scanner.
The importance of the API
APIs are at the heart of digital interaction. They allow you to integrate various software systems, which leads to the creation of more complex and useful applications. From social media platforms that share data with third-party applications to payment gateways that integrate with e-commerce sites.
API in everyday life
APIs are ubiquitous in our digital lives. For example, a weather check application is an API that receives data from a weather service. When ordering a taxi in Uber, the API is used to find nearby drivers, track their movements and process payments.