An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a software intermediary that allows two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. APIs are a way to extract and share data within and across organizations, and they can be custom-built for a particular pair of systems or a shared standard allowing interoperability among many systems.
APIs are designed to hide the internal details of how a system works, exposing only those parts that a programmer will find useful, and keeping them consistent even if the internal details change later. Modern APIs adhere to specific standards, typically HTTP and REST, which enable them to be developer-friendly, self-described, easily accessible, and understood broadly.
APIs are used to integrate new applications with existing software systems, which increases development speed because each functionality doesn’t have to be written from scratch. They can also be used to leverage existing code and provide opportunities for innovation.
In summary, an API is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other, allowing them to share data and functionality. They are designed to be developer-friendly and can simplify app development, saving time and money.
