API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other
. An API acts as an intermediary that enables data exchange and functionality sharing between software components without exposing their internal details. It defines how requests and responses are structured, allowing one program (the client) to call services or functions provided by another program (the server)
. In essence, an API is like a contract or interface that specifies how software components should interact, making it easier for developers to integrate and build on existing software systems
