What is reserved?

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and tools that lets different software applications talk to each other. Think of it as a menu in a restaurant: the menu lists what you can order (the functions), and the kitchen (the server) prepares it for you without you needing to know how the cooking is done.

Let's break it down

  • Endpoint: The specific URL where a request is sent.
  • Request: Your app asks the API to do something (e.g., get data).
  • Response: The API sends back the result, usually in a format like JSON.
  • Method: The type of action you want (GET to read, POST to create, PUT to update, DELETE to remove).
  • Authentication: A way to prove who you are, often using API keys or tokens.

Why does it matter?

APIs let developers reuse existing services instead of building everything from scratch. This speeds up development, reduces bugs, and makes it easier for different apps (mobile, web, IoT) to work together seamlessly.

Where is it used?

  • Social media platforms (e.g., posting a tweet via Twitter’s API)
  • Payment gateways (e.g., Stripe or PayPal APIs)
  • Weather apps (e.g., OpenWeatherMap API)
  • Cloud services (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud APIs)
  • Smart home devices communicating with each other

Good things about it

  • Speed: Build features faster by leveraging existing services.
  • Scalability: APIs can handle many requests, letting your app grow.
  • Flexibility: Different languages and platforms can use the same API.
  • Modularity: Keep code clean by separating concerns (frontend vs. backend).
  • Ecosystem: Large communities share libraries and tools that simplify API use.

Not-so-good things

  • Dependency: If the external API changes or goes down, your app can break.
  • Security risks: Improper authentication can expose data.
  • Rate limits: Many APIs restrict how many calls you can make, which can hinder high‑traffic apps.
  • Complexity: Learning different authentication methods and data formats can be steep for beginners.
  • Latency: Network delays can slow down responses compared to local processing.