API

API (Application Programming Interface) — a set of rules and protocols through which different software applications can interact with each other and exchange data, thereby increasing functionality and efficiency

Types of APIs

• Web APIs (HTTP APIs or REST APIs) enable communication between different web services over the Internet.
• Operating system APIs define how applications utilize operating system resources and services.
• Database APIs provide communication between an application and a database management system.
• Hardware APIs enable applications to interact with hardware, such as a printer or scanner.

Importance of APIs APIs are at the heart of digital interaction. They allow the integration of different software systems, resulting in more complex and useful applications. From social media platforms that share data with third-party applications to payment gateways that integrate with e-commerce sites.

APIs in everyday life APIs are ubiquitous in our digital lives. For example, a weather checker app is an API that receives data from the weather service. When ordering a cab with Uber, APIs are used to find nearby drivers, track their movements and process payment.