What is API?
A way for different software applications to talk to each other and share data
Why It Matters
APIs let your app connect to other services like payment processors, email providers, or social media platforms without building everything from scratch
Real-World Example
When you sign in with Google on a website, the site uses Google's API to verify your identity
“Understanding terms like API matters because it helps you have better conversations with developers and make smarter decisions about your software. You do not need to be technical. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions.”
Related Terms
REST API
A standard way to design APIs that uses simple web addresses and common actions like GET (read) and POST (create)
GraphQL
An alternative to REST APIs that lets you request exactly the data you need in a single call
Endpoint
A specific URL where your API receives requests and sends responses
Webhook
An automatic notification that one app sends to another when something happens
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