APIs: Understanding What They Are and How They Function

Are you new to the world of technology or curious about what APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are all about? Well, you’ve come to the right place! let me explain…!

What is API (Application Program Interface)?

API defines a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. API stands middle in between software applications, and it defines methods and data formats that software applications can use to request and response/ exchange information. API enables developers to access and use the functionality of other programs, services, or platforms, making it essential for building software and integrating systems.

How API works?
APIs enable software to request and exchange data and services. Let me explain clearly, when two software programs communicate via an API, one software program sends a specific data request to the API of the other software program which processes the request and returns the requested information function. This seamless interaction allows for integration and functionality across various applications.

for an example, considering a weather app, it needs to provide the current weather data, so this app uses an API provided by a weather service. The app sends a request to the API, and specifying the location and API responds with the current weather information (humidity, temperature, etc.) So, this way the weather app can display up to date weather data without storing it all locally.

APIs are crucial for enabling the integration of various software systems, services, and platforms, allowing them to work together and share data or functionality. They are commonly used in web development, mobile app development, and many other software-related fields.