API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of protocols enabling different software applications to communicate and share data.
Definition
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define how requests should be made and how responses will be formatted, enabling integration between systems without sharing underlying code.
Modern web development relies heavily on APIs—connecting frontends to backends, integrating third-party services, and enabling data exchange between platforms. REST and GraphQL are common API architectures for web services.
Why It Matters
APIs enable the connected ecosystem modern businesses depend on. They allow companies to leverage external capabilities (payments, maps, AI), share functionality with partners, and build platforms others can extend.
Understanding APIs helps non-technical stakeholders evaluate integration possibilities and communicate effectively with development teams.
Examples in Practice
A company integrates payment processing through Stripe's API rather than building payment infrastructure from scratch.
An analytics platform's API enables custom dashboard creation that combines data from multiple sources.
A public API transforms a product into a platform, enabling an ecosystem of third-party applications that extend its value.