What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface that intermediates the communication between two applications. In simpler words, API allows two applications to talk to each other.  For every little interaction you have on one of the apps on your phone, you are putting an API to use! In that sense, it is a precious part of our daily lives.

Understanding API

The way your applications work on your phone is that they are connected to the Internet, after which they send information to the server. The server then receives the data, analyzes and interprets it, acts upon the requirements, and then sends the data back to your phone. 

The applications then interpret the data themselves and translate it into content that you can understand. The bridge that connects all of these actions is API.

Let’s look at an example that can help us understand this position better. Imagine you’re trying to get a flight to Las Vegas. You download the online travel service app, choose your airline, pick your departure city, departure date, return city, and any other options that you are required to. The entire process of booking a flight means that you have to interact with the app, access the database of the airline, and see what seat you can get.  

However, you don’t do all of this yourself, do you? 

An API does it all for you! 

As an interface, the API will act as a helpful waiter and fetch all the information that you need, send it to the app you have, which then presents it to you. In the simplest of terms, API is the tool that fetches all the data you need to make an application functional. 

API - Gateway of Security

Additionally, API also brings a certain amount of security to your Internet experience. Using an API means that your phone's data is never fully exposed to the server and is less likely to be compromised. APIs use small packets of data — only the essential parts of your data are used nothing else!

Why is API Important?

Let’s look at some of the reasons behind API being such a useful piece of technology. 

• API provides amazing automation.

Using an API means that you are relying on a computer to do your job instead of humans. Naturally, this means that your work processes can be way more efficient and productive! 

• AI provides a seamless application experience.

No matter the nature of an application, integrating it with a savvy API means that the experience it offers its users will be up to the mark.

• There is more scope with an API.

An API gives an app an added layer of flexibility that can be used to reach out to new audiences, allowing the content to be more personalized and the information more flexible.

• API means updated content.

With an API, you don't have to worry about an app remaining outdated and irrelevant. An API makes it easier to update and keep the information as relevant to the user as possible. Additionally, API also helps an app cope with changes in technology - it upholds solid data migration and is reviewed more closely.

• API equals efficiency.

Using an API means that the app's content is published and updated automatically and regularly, which makes the entire process incredibly efficient.

• API allows integration. 

An API ensures a highly integrated experience by enabling content to be embedded from any site or application more easily and makes the interaction between different apps together.

• API means you can personalize the app easily.

API also means that you can easily personalize the content of an app, regardless of whether you are a business or a standard user!

Final Words

Owing to these reasons and more, API is an indispensable, growing part of global digital activity