An API (Application Programming Interface) is a programming interface that enables data exchange and collaboration between different software and systems. An API acts as a mediator, allowing one program to request information or services from another program. APIs are a central part of modern software development, as they facilitate data exchange and collaboration between software, improving efficiency and enabling more diverse functionalities.
This is how an API works
An API defines the rules and protocols that allow programs to communicate with each other. It provides a way to send requests and receive responses. When a program wants information or functionality from another program, it sends a request through the API. The API forwards this request and returns the obtained data or the result of the executed function back.
API: A Practical Example
Imagine you have a logistics company that manages a large number of shipments daily. Your company uses a fleet management system connected to various suppliers’ tracking systems via an API. When a customer places an order, your system sends a request to the supplier’s tracking system through the API. This API request includes shipment information, such as the tracking number and delivery address. The supplier’s system receives the request, retrieves the necessary information, and returns the tracking status to your system through the API. This way, you can track the shipment’s progress in real time and update the customer on its status. In a nutshell: an API enables the integration of different systems and software. For example, a logistics company can use an API to connect suppliers’ tracking systems to its own fleet management system.