API
If you've ever used a food delivery app, shared content on social media or used other digital services, you've probably come into contact with API without realizing it. But what exactly is API? Let's take a look at this term and see how it works.
API stands for Application Programming Interface, and it's a way for different computer programs to talk to each other. Think of the API as a middleman that allows apps and services to interact seamlessly.
Let's take a simple example: Imagine you order food from a restaurant through a food delivery app on your phone. When you press the "order" button, the food delivery app communicates with the restaurant's API. In many ways, the API acts as a virtual waiter who takes your order and passes it on to the chef in the kitchen.
Through the API, the food delivery app gets access to the restaurant's menu, prices and other important information needed to place your order. The API also ensures that the food delivery app receives updated information about the status of the order, such as when the food is ready for delivery or if there are any issues with the order.
This interaction between the food delivery app and the restaurant's API allows you as a user to have a seamless experience. You see exactly which dishes are available, get updates on the progress of your order and know when your food will be delivered. All thanks to the API that facilitates efficient communication between different programs.
APIs are found in many different applications and services. For example, APIs can be used in social media platforms to allow you to log in with your Facebook account or share content on Twitter. APIs can also be found in payment systems, weather apps, mapping services and much more.
APIs work in the background to make sure different programs can talk to each other and give you the best experience. They are the invisible heroes that make apps and services work together seamlessly.