API — Easy, understandable and quick tutorial for everyone

API is a hero of our connected world, it is the engine under the hood and behind the scenes.

Many of us have heard about it, but not all of us know exactly what the term “API” means. So without any other storytelling words, let’s get to the point.

Application Programming Interface (API)

APIs allow applications to communicate with one another. You can think of it as a messenger, that takes your request and tells a system, what you want to do and then return the response back to you. API is a way for different programs to work together in various ways.
Basically, we can split the process into 4 main parts:

1. Assets: Your data, software (and brand)
2. API: Provides universal access to whatever assets you choose to share. Developers can “plugin” their apps and data.
3. Developers: they access your assets through the API to build Mobile Apps and Web Apps based on the data and software you share.
4. End Users: Have access to apps that provide richer experiences by leveraging the data and services of other apps

Let’s add API types so we can continue to discover this useful functionality even more.

There are four main types of Web APIs:

• Open APIs: Also known as Public API, there are no restrictions to access these types of APIs because they are publicly available.
• Partner APIs: A developer needs specific rights or licenses in order to access this type of API because they are not available to the public.
• Internal APIs: Also known as Private APIs, only internal systems expose this type of API. These are usually designed for internal use within a company. The company uses this type of API among the different internal teams to be able to improve its products and services.
• Composite APIs: This type of API combines different data and service APIs. It is a sequence of tasks that run synchronously as a result of the execution, and not at the request of a task. Its main uses are to speed up the process of execution and improve the performance of the listeners in the web interfaces.

Btw… Have you heard about the Endpoint?

The Endpoint can be considered as the key element in the interaction of your application with your API. Basically, it is the code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other. APIs work by sending requests for information from a web application or web server and receiving a response.

Example?

For example, Instagram has endpoints that include one that allows businesses and creators to measure media and profile interactions; a second endpoint that allows them to moderate comments and their replies; and a third that allows them to discover hashtagged media.

To relieve professional definitions, I have listed some interesting facts which underline the importance of this interface, inspired by carissacoles.

In summing up, APIs are all around us. They are used to get access to data so that multiple apps or services can work together. They can also save time for developers, allowing them not to waste time on figuring how the GPS works. APIs can also be used to extend the functionality of existing systems or they can act as gatekeepers to protect our personal data.

And how are you using the API?