Application Programming Interface (API)

Application Programming Interface (API) :-

When we work on particular programming of software application, we sometimes have the requirements of specific functions and features, which we can access only by interacting with other applications.  To gain access and interaction with other application, we need application programming interface (API).

What is Application Programming Interface (API)?

Application programming interface (API) is nothing but a set of subroutines, protocols and tools for building interface which can follow to communicate with other application. It functions as the interface which serves as the medium of interaction and communication between two software applications or programs.

There are many different types of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for different types of softwares, applications, web applications, websites, mobile applications and operating systems.

Some of the examples of the APIs :-

Google Map API :– Google Map APIs are used by millions of websites and applications. It lets developers to integrate the API to power the location experiences with the users. Google Maps APIs are available for Android, iOS, web browsers and via HTTP web services.

Facebook API:-  Face book provides the APIs such as Graph API and Marketing API. Graph API is used for the primary way for apps to read and write to the Facebook social graph. Access Pages, Users, Posts, Groups, Events and more. Marketing APIs are used to access to manage your Facebook ad campaigns, Custom Audiences, and reports.

Youtube API :– Youtube API lets developers to add youtube functionalities and videos to websites and applications. YouTube APIs include the YouTube Analytics API, YouTube Data API, YouTube Live Streaming API, YouTube Player APIs and others.

Paypal APIs :– Paypal have multiple APIs: Billing Agreements API, Billing Plans API, Customer Disputes API, Identity API, Invoicing API, Merchant Onboarding API, Orders API, Payment Experience API, Payments API, Payouts API, Vault API, Webhooks API.  For example: Payments API – is used to accept online and mobile payments.  The process is easy and secure. The payments API have, sales, payments refunds, authorizations, captures, and orders functions.