What is meant by API ( Application Programming Interface ) with an example ? Explain the api integration examples

What is API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. API use interface or two-way communication. This application allows communication between clients and servers. An API server host runs server programs which share data with clients. These applications based on client and server. An API may use a database system, web-based system, or software access etc with the software-to-software interface. Application Programming Interface used graphical user interface ( GUI ) programming with building blocks. The large organization has to build APIs for its clients to access the data or internal uses.

When you buy any product Amazon or other websites and enter your credit/debit card information, the website uses APIs to send your information to a server or a remote application that verifies your information is correct or not. The verification process is very fast. When payment is confirmed, the server sends a response back to the product website to show its conformed to issue the product. Many e-commerce websites or applications working together using APIs.

Types Of API

There are many types of APIs are given.

• Operating System APIs

The APIs allow the interface between the application and operating system. For example, Windows allows the programmer to developed the application.

• Remote APIs

Remote APIs use for a developer to access the remote data with protocols. Remote APIs allows communications with different networks with different languages or platform

• Web APIs

A web API that application which allows interface for the webserver or web browser. Webs APIs access the HTTP protocols. The web API use programming for e.g Java, .NET, XML or JavaScript, etc. 

Example of APIs

The following most popular APIs application are given.

Youtube API: 

The Youtube APIs allow the user developer access video performance and the data of the Youtube channel. Youtube APIs are Analytics, Data or Live Streaming, etc.

Google Maps API:

Google maps allow the user to access the maps or location using HTML5, Javascript or flash interface. Google Maps is designed on all operating systems or webpages.

Twitter APIs:

 The Twitter application programming interface includes REST access to Twitter data and Search provides the developer to interact with Twitter data.

Amazon: 

Amazon gives the developer access to users like product selection to advertise the Amazon production to website or affiliate marketing.