Diving in and getting to learn all the aspects of front end web development, I have come across many terms that are new and unfamiliar. Terms such as API.
The web is so vast and huge and just getting a grasp on certain vocabulary or syntax of the language can be daunting and whelming at times.
This is what lead me to creating this blog. I wanted to learn more about the different topics in web development and hopefully help others as well. The goal is to have a better understanding and breakdown of some complex terms.
So today I’m looking into what is an API, what is it used for, and how.
What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface…
Application: this can range from web apps, to mobile apps to software apps on your computer
Programming: Developers use APIs to write software
Interface: this is where you, the user, interacts with the application
APIs are what run your internet experience. They are a specific set of commands from one program sent to another program to return some form of data.
How It Works?
It is a form of an agreement.
For example, let’s say you want some dominoes, if your wondering why I chose dominoes, it’s because I like there garlic parmesan crust. You should try it
So you decided you want some dominoes.
First you go to their store, look at their menu and choose your favorite pizza, a medium size spinach and chicken with the white sauce and garlic parmesan crust– mmmmhhhh. The cashier, we’ll say waiter since this makes the concept a little easier, takes your order to the kitchen and after some time brings back what you asked.
You have now experienced an API at work… but how?
Well, as I said before, it is a form of an agreement. The menu is the agreement supplying the list of items that they provide and as long as you order from that menu you will get a return.
The kitchen acts as the server and the “waiter” acts as the API.
So you order from the menu, the API/waiter takes your order to the server/kitchen, your food is made and the “waiter” returns your order.
Boom API At Work!
To see another example of this, “MuleSoft” has a great video explaining how this works.
Who Uses APIs And Why Is It Important?
The internet is a large network of connected servers.
In other words, APIs are practically used for all websites and mobile applications. The easiest way I can breakdown an API is it acts as a translator.
So whenever your trying to gain access to a website or specific information, APIs will play a role in what you want and bring that information back to your browser.
It translates your need to the server and brings it back. They are vital for the web in order to do things as embed a calendar, retrieve flight information, and even process credit card information.
Also, because your phone’s data is not openly exposed, as well as the server, an API will only retrieve the necessary data when requested. So a layer of protection is supplied with APIs.
Who uses APIs? This is a good question and one I am currently doing research on still myself. From my standpoint since I am studying and becoming a front end web developer, I haven’t heard or seen too much discussion on APIs except when it comes to Javascript. However, when it comes to implementing the API, I am going to assume this would fall more into the back end side of development.
Fun fact: APIs are usually written in XML messages/code.
Again, this is only an assumption from what I am learning, but once I find out I will be sure to update and give more accurate information.
Benefits And Some Things You Should Know About APIs
- Developers work with APIs to create software and apps, it is rare for the user to actually interact with the API
- Business are built on APIs
- They adhere to todays web standards
- Modern APIs are monitored and managed for performance and scale
- Last but not least APIs are treated more like products than code
I think that’s it, well thats not all but I think that is a basic understanding of what an API is and how they work in the world of web development. I know for me I have a general idea of what it is now and can work my way around. Yet, when it comes to developing or implementing an API I still have a long way to go, but I’m focusing on Front End Development
I hope this helps and now when your in a group and you hear them talking about a software’s API you can have a better understanding to follow along.
I know I will.