What is an API in 10 points?
Have you often come across the word API on the web without necessarily knowing what it means? An API stands for application programming interface and enables communication between two applications. It's no coincidence that this concept is so popular in the world of web development. The use of an API allows you to use an existing programme instead of developing it all over again. So it's a real time-saver. If you'd like to find out more about what an API is, read this article.
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Why an API?
An API is useful for making the data or functionality of an existing application available. This allows other applications to use them. Without APIs, applications such as Zapier or Integromat would not exist. What's more, it would be impossible to share an image on a phone. As you can see, the interconnection between applications is based on APIs.
The example of the Spotify and Google Home APIs
When you say "OK Google, turn off the music", the reason the music turns off is because Spotify and Google Home have an API. This creates an interconnection and data transfer between the two applications. API stands for Application programming Interface.
The word Programming suggests that APIs are only for developers, programmers or anyone who knows how to operate machines using a programming language such as Python or JavaScript. However, it is possible to communicate with a computer in another way. This is the NoCode. There are a variety of NoCode tools. For those of you in the know, NoCode allows you to create websites and applications without having a great deal of knowledge. In fact, it is the APIs that make NoCode possible.
Zapier is possible because the APIs exist
Zapier is a tool for automating processes with several applications. This is possible because all these applications have an API. For example Qonto has opened up its API to connect to various applications.
What is an API?
An API is nothing more than a set of protocols designed to facilitate the creation and integration of software applications. The acronym stands for "Application Programming Interface". APIs enable a product or service to communicate with other products and services. This is done without knowledge of the details of their implementation. They simplify application development. What's more, they save time and money.
The example of Uber and Spotify
The Uber application can now play Spotify music directly. This is due to Spotify's API. It's the same with platforms like Facebook. It's because it has an API that the site is able to retrieve your first and last name and your email address so that you can connect to the services.
What does an API look like? GET, PUT, POST, DELETE?
In the world of APIs, there are 4 main verbs: GET, PUT, POST and DELETE. GET is used to retrieve information. So every time you visit a website, you generally GET it. POST is used to create or submit data. The PUT allows you to make modifications. Finally, DELETE allows you to delete.
How do I read API documentation?
If you know the above verbs, you can read API documentation. For example, on the Spotify API site, you can find out how an API works. It explains everything you can do with the API. It also gives some information that may not be useful to you.
What you need to check is the reference. You'll find several APIs, including the search API, the follow API, the playlist API, the player API and the artist API. As you can see, these mini APIs allow you to control Spotify. If you want a list of all the artists on your account, you need to do a GET followed by the URL.
Using an API without coding using Postman
You can test the API using Postman. This is a tool that allows you to make API calls without necessarily being a developer. You can take a URL, go to Postman and select GET. Then put in the URL in question and press send. You will then receive a response.
But why do we need an API?
An API offers many advantages. For example, if you wanted to create a mobile application to display random photos of dogs, you'd have to download lots of photos in order to display them. With an API, you can do it quickly without wasting time. It's the same if you want to make a mobile app that displays the weather, your share price or your crypto-currencies. There are APIs for almost every need and most software has them.
APIs are the backbone of NoCode. So it's important to understand how they work. They simplify the way developers integrate new application components into an existing architecture. They make it easy for IT and business teams to work together.
It's not uncommon for business needs to change rapidly due to the constant evolution of digital markets. By implementing a new application, competitors can create major changes across the industry. To remain competitive, businesses need to support the rapid development and deployment of innovative services.
An effective way of increasing development speed is to implement cloud-native applications. This involves connecting a microservices-type application architecture via APIs. These are an excellent solution for easily connecting your own infrastructure with cloud-native application development.
APIs also allow you to share your data with your customers. Public APIs can simplify your relationship with your partners. They can also be used to monetise your data.