An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build or use such a connection or interface is called an API specification. A computer system that meets this standard is said to implement or expose an API. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation.
An API may be custom-built for a particular pair of systems, or it may be a shared standard allowing interoperability among many systems. There are APIs for programming languages, software libraries, computer operating systems, and computer hardware. APIs originated in the 1940s, though the term did not emerge until the 1960s and 1970s. Contemporary usage of the term API often refers to web APIs, which allow communication between computers that are joined by the internet. Recent developments in APIs have led to the rise in popularity of microservices, which are loosely coupled services accessed through public APIs.
APIs are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Web development:APIs are used to power many of the features that we take for granted on the web, such as the ability to search for information, add items to our shopping carts, and share content on social media.
Mobile development: APIs are also used in mobile development, allowing developers to access features and data from other apps and services. For example, the weather app on your phone might use an API to get the latest weather forecast from a weather service.
Business applications: APIs are also used in business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. These APIs allow businesses to share data and functionality between different applications.
Internet of Things (IoT): APIs are also used in the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing devices to communicate with each other and with other systems. For example, a smart thermostat might use an API to communicate with a home automation system to control the temperature in your house.
APIs are a powerful tool that can be used to build new and innovative applications. They allow developers to access data and functionality from other applications, which can save time and effort. APIs can also be used to create new services and products, and to connect different systems and devices.
SOME REFERENCES:
What is an Application Programming Interface (API)? | IBM. https://www.ibm.com/topics/api
What Is an API, and How Do Developers Use Them? – How-To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/343877/what-is-an-api/
https://www.guru99.com/what-is-api.html
API – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API
What is an API (Application Program Interface)?
Webopedia: https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/api
www.basicknowledge101.com/subjects/knowledgemanagement.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/API
Wiki Hyphen Website | Updates 1th April 2023 | Link: https://www-wiki.com/api