Development & Automation · Quick read

What Is an API?

An API is a defined way for software systems to request data or actions from each other.

In plain English

An API is like a waiter. You do not walk into the kitchen and move the ingredients yourself. You make a structured request, the kitchen does the work, and the waiter returns the result.

Technical idea

APIs define endpoints, methods, authentication, request formats, response formats, limits, and errors. REST APIs commonly use HTTP and JSON, but APIs can use many patterns.

Why it matters

APIs make integrations and automation possible without requiring every system to expose its internal machinery.

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