What is an Application Programming Interface (API)?

Before the widespread adoption of computer systems in various industries, humans were considered the primary entities interacting with software. Over time, with the growing use of computers, the need arose for not only human-software interaction but also for software to interact independently and without human intervention. This is where the concept of API emerged.

An Example from the Real World to Better Understand the Concept of API

To better understand this concept, let's use a real-world example. When you visit a restaurant, you are given a menu. After choosing your desired dish, your order is prepared in the restaurant's kitchen and served to your table. In fact, you do not know how the food is prepared; only the final result matters to you. In other words, you use a mediator, in this case, the waiter, to communicate your order to the chef, and then the prepared food is delivered back to you by the mediator.

It can be said that an Application Programming Interface (API) functions similarly to the waiter in a restaurant, facilitating the communication of a request from one software (client) to another software (kitchen) and delivering a service (food) back to you.

Types of Application Programming Interfaces

APIs can be classified into five categories based on their application:

• Web API
• Hardware API
• Operating System API
• Programming API
• Developer API

Web APIs are generally more extensive and widely used compared to other types of APIs. Additionally, SOAP and REST are two well-known types of Web APIs.

Uses of API

When using an API, direct access to sensitive and important information by other systems is not possible; only predefined commands and interfaces are available. Therefore, one of the benefits of using APIs is enhanced security. Additionally, communication between different systems is greatly simplified through APIs. In fact, APIs can help you improve or add various features to the software you are developing.

How to Use an API?

To use an API or various services, programming knowledge is required. In other words, to enable software to communicate with each other, a communication code must be created between them.

One of PingoTeam's services is the design and implementation of your custom API with all necessary security considerations. Therefore, if you feel you need a web-based Application Programming Interface, please proceed through this link. Your request will be reviewed as soon as possible.