Application programming interface (API) is a programming language that can be used in anything from command-line utilities to enterprise Java code to Ruby on Rails web applications. An API is a programmatic way to communicate with a separate software function or resource.
An API is a collection of programming code that allows data to be transferred between software products. It also includes the conditions of the data transfer.
Types of API
- Private – These application software interfaces are intended to improve an organization’s solutions and services. These APIs may be used by in-house developers or contractors to incorporate a company’s IT systems or software, as well as to create new systems or customer-facing apps that leverage existing systems.
- Partner – Partner APIs are marketed freely but only shared with business associates who have signed a contract with the publisher. Software integration between two parties is a common use case for partner APIs.
- Public – These APIs, also known as developer-facing or external APIs, are open to all third-party developers. When properly implemented, a public API program will increase brand recognition while also providing an additional source of revenue.
API Specifications
API requirements are designed to standardize data transfer between web services. In this case, standardization refers to the ability of various programs written in various programming languages to work together.
- Service Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
- RPC (Remote Procedure Call)
Category
APIs can be categorized based on the systems for which they were created.
- Operating System API
- Remote API
- Web API
- Database API
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