Application Programming Interface (API)

API stands for application programming interface. By definition, an API is a set of protocols, tools, and routines that are used to build software applications. In layperson’s terms, an API is a programming language that allows communication between two applications. The primary use of APIs is the enhancement and addition of features and functionality to either one or both applications. Though they are primarily designed for programmers, users can also use them. For those who use desktops and laptops, APIs are used a lot as they allow the movement of information between programs. APIs show how a program or an app will interact with other software. APIs help save resources and time and even eliminate potential legal issues. With APIs, various applications on the web can share data and even carry out actions on behalf of each other without the need for the developers of the software to share their codes, which is just great.

APIs play various roles; for example, social media is more accessible to track and even more profitable with APIs. This is mainly because most of the tools that businesses use today rely heavily on APIs, for example, Twitter, Flicker, FaceBook, dropbox and Google Maps, and let other smaller apps use their APIs to operate. For instance, you can play a game while you chat on Facebook and even invite friends on Facebook to try out the competition.

Several advantages accrue from using APIs. For instance, APIs are crucial in creating new apps that tap into extensive services. An example would be a game developer using the Facebook API or the Drop Box API to allow users to store their saved games rather than working out another completely new cloud storage option from scratch. On the other hand, APIs can help in saving time. APIs are also quite advantageous in the sense that they offer convenience.

An excellent example would be Facebook, whereby users can sign in to many apps using their Facebook IDs. This feature relies on Facebook APIs to operate. APIs furthermore make it possible for developers to use a mix of APIs from big companies to come up with entirely new apps and services for users. APIs have gone a long way in improving the modern web experience. For example, the YELP app for Android uses the Google Maps API to locate places rather than create its maps.

There are also several disadvantages to using APIs. For example, APIs are not available forever; they may be available today, but they cannot be accessed tomorrow. Twitter is an example of this: it limited third-party applications, meaning all alternative Twitter clients were eliminated. The discontinuation of such services can leave you in a mess if your app depends on such APIs to operate.