What is an API?

An API, which stands for Application Programming Interface, is a set of protocols that enable different software components to communicate and transfer data. Developers can use APIs to bridge the gaps between small, discrete chunks of code in order to create applications that are powerful, resilient, secure, and able to meet end user needs.

APIs are working almost everywhere—continuously operating in the background to facilitate the digital experiences that are now essential to modern life.

How do APIs work?

APIs work by sharing and transferring data between applications, systems, and devices. This happens through a request and response cycle. As a user you initiate a request for data every time you interact with an application. This request is then sent to the API, which retrieves the data and returns it to back to you in the format you require.

In order to better understand this process it can be useful to think of APIs like a supply chain, for example ordering a brand new car. You, the customer tell the dealership what you would like; the dealership is like an API, it takes your order and translates it to a simple specification for the manufacturer to produce—usually using specific codes/part numbers or abbreviations that the manufacturer will recognize. The manufacturer is like the API server because it creates the order according to your specifications, receiving the parts it needs from the warehouse (the database). It will then send it to the dealership, who, in turn then delivers it to you.