Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have transformed the world of tech, evolving with trends. In the mid-2000s, social media platforms emerged, with APIs bridging the gap between social media and users. Mobile applications came soon after, demonstrating just how agile and APIs can be, bringing billions of users together. Today's cloud technology adds a new layer to the API world, taking large volumes of data online to secure cloud computing systems that you can be a part of, with ReadyAPI Training.

What is an API?

APIs are tools that allow software or applications to communicate with each other through API integration, which is a defined set of instructions and protocols. They send raw data to end-user devices, which translates the data into usable interfaces and information on mobile applications and internet browsers.

Types of APIs

Internal APIs These are private, and used exclusively by your team, company, or organization

External APIs These are public or open APIs that anyone can use

Partner APIs These are private and shared only with specific integration partners outside your organization

4 Benefits of APIs

Integrates Systems

APIs allow one or more systems to integrate with each other, creating internal software or application ecosystems. This helps different components of the same software to mesh together, offering the end-user a wide range of applications and a seamless user experience.

Enhances System Functionality

APIs enhance internal and external system functionality. If an organization has an external system for employees to log their entry and exit times, for example, the internal system can be programmed to allow employees to tag their location, or tasks.

Speeds Up Development

APIs reduce the load on resources that need to review codes or perform testing, for example. With APIs, frontend and backend teams can work simultaneously, making software or application deployment time faster.

Reduces Operations and Development Costs

APIs automate rote tasks like report generation or sending emails, and reduce operating costs. They can auto start software and app development systems, and turn them off at the end of the day. In addition, APIs can create standard templates for workflows and processes to reduce the amount of time teams spent on creating codes or processes.

API Architecture

API architecture varies according to process and workflow types. These are a few of the commonly used API architecture types.

REST API

REpresentational State Transfer (REST) includes key components including a client-server structure. It is a simple interface that allows software and applications to communicate across systems, or stateless operations.

Webhooks

Webhooks are an HTTP-based callback function that allows lightweight, event-driven communication between 2 application programming interfaces. They receive small amounts of data from other apps, and trigger automation workflows in GitOps environments.

SOAP API

This is a Simple Object Access Protocol, which is more structured than other APIs, but slower. It uses XML-based messaging protocols such as Envelope, Header, and Body tags.

GraphQL API

The Graph Query Language governs the way in which an API communicates with another API. Usually, the server defines the endpoint, but a GraphQL query can request specific information.

WebSocket API

The WebSocket computer communications protocol runs this API - a full-duplex communication channel hosted over a single TCP connection. Servers can relay information and data to clients, even if they haven't requested data.

gRPC API

Remote Procedure Call is an API in which a client requests data from a server, as a local object. This simplifies the communication between distributed applications and systems.

Server-sent Event API

SSE APIs process data relays which are pushed from the server. In this API architecture, servers can allow clients to receive updates automatically with HTTP connections.

AMQP API

The Advanced Message Queuing Protocol follows open standards, and works at the application layer. This API is ideal for message-oriented middleware.

MQTT APIs

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport APIs are best suited for IoT machinery, automobiles, and appliances. As it is a lightweight API, MQTT allows devices to publish or subscribe to messages.

EDI

The Electronic Data Interchange API helps organizations communicate electronically with each, by relaying manual information via transcripts.

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