What is recommend?

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules that lets different software programs talk to each other. Think of it like a menu in a restaurant: the menu lists what you can order, and the kitchen knows how to prepare it. With an API, a program can request specific data or actions from another program without needing to know how that program works internally.

Let's break it down

  • Request: One program (the client) sends a request to another program (the server) using a specific format.
  • Endpoint: The URL or address where the request is sent.
  • Method: The type of request, such as GET (read data), POST (send data), PUT (update), DELETE (remove).
  • Response: The server sends back data, usually in a format like JSON or XML.
  • Authentication: Often a key or token is required to prove the client is allowed to use the API.

Why does it matter?

APIs make it possible for apps to share data and functionality quickly and safely. They let developers build new features without reinventing the wheel, speed up development, and enable different services (like a weather app showing maps) to work together seamlessly.

Where is it used?

  • Mobile apps pulling data from a web service (e.g., social media feeds)
  • Websites showing third‑party content like maps, payment gateways, or video players
  • Smart home devices communicating with cloud services
  • Business systems integrating inventory, shipping, and accounting software
  • Public data portals offering open data for researchers and developers

Good things about it

  • Reusability: One API can serve many different applications.
  • Scalability: Services can grow independently; the API remains the same.
  • Speed: Developers can add complex features fast by using existing APIs.
  • Standardization: Common formats (JSON, REST, GraphQL) make integration predictable.
  • Security: Proper authentication limits who can access the data.

Not-so-good things

  • Versioning headaches: Changing an API can break apps that rely on the old version.
  • Rate limits: Services may restrict how many requests you can make, affecting performance.
  • Dependency risk: If the API provider goes down or changes policies, your app can suffer.
  • Complex documentation: Poorly written docs make integration hard for beginners.
  • Latency: Each request travels over the internet, which can add delay compared to local processing.