Professionals across multiple industries, working in the technology sector and elsewhere, have either an incorrect or vague idea of API. This blog will explain what does API mean, clear some of the most common misconceptions about APIs and further delve into what it does and how you can use it to streamline your data strategy. Furthermore, we will delve into how API integration can increase your business’s bottom line.
What Does API Stand For?
‘API’ stands for Application Programming Interface. Most organizations have — at some point — built custom and term APIs, either for internal use or providing seamless service to their customers. Initially, APIs were integrated as operating system libraries. Hence, they were limited to the systems on which they were operated. APIs’ primary purpose was to pass messages from one mainframe to another. It took about 30 years for APIs to evolve beyond the local environment. By 2000, APIs had gained immense popularity and became an integral part of advanced data integration. Now that we’ve cleared the concept of what API means, we can move on to understanding the functionality of an API.
How Do APIs Work?
The definition or meaning of API is a set of protocols used to create and integrate application software. APIs reside between the web server and application and act as a middle-man between the client and the server. API allows communication of your products and services with other products without implementing guidelines. An example would be how Google and Facebook work seamlessly with smartphone apps and websites to log in quickly. It simplifies development, saving considerable time and money for both software developers and their users.
Now that we have answered the questions of ‘what does an API mean’ and what does an API do,’ let’s move forward and learn how it can add value to modern-day businesses.
What is API Integration?
API technologies allow developers to access and simplify design and operation when designing a new product, tool, or software. Simultaneously, it provides greater room for innovation.
Think of APIs as contracts, with the primary document representing the agreement between two parties (services). So if party ONE forwards a specifically structured request remotely, party TWO will respond in an intended manner.
API integration considerably simplifies how your developers incorporate new applications into existing architecture, bridging the gap between IT and business teams. A business needs to evolve continuously in response to shifts in the digital market, where an innovative app by a competitor can change the course of the entire industry. So a business must focus on creative development and deployment of services to stay competitive.
Now that you know what it is and what API stands for, the term Application Programming Interface will make more sense. An API rapidly processes requests and enables seamless operations of your enterprise systems. API integration facilitates interaction between other devices and applications, delivering data while facilitating reliable connectivity between programs and devices. A good API allows enterprise applications to establish communications with the backend system.
A deployed API, whether it’s open-source, i.e., public API or web API, serves as a channel for a business to sell its offerings online. You can add specific codes and commands to your API to function precisely like a business. It also ensures adherence to your company policy and guidelines, bolstering functionality and enhancing connectivity between your organization and customers.
How do APIs Ensure Seamless Communication?
Applications we use on our smartphones every day display remarkable connectivity thanks to APIs. The data exchange between client APIs achieves it. If you wonder if it exposes critical information to unwanted parties, that is not possible. When APIs connect, they only share sets of data and commands on a need-to-know basis. Exposure to a product or service’s internal functions is limited. Either you’re sharing data with other products or services or for internal operations. The receiver cannot access more than the shared information.
For instance, REST API enables the Zomato app to display the restaurant’s location on Google Maps. The synergy between apps through API integration paves the way for innovation and better customer service.
API’s Potential to Transform your Business
API integration tools have become the primary connective tissue that allows businesses to swiftly and securely exchange information and data with the world. Many innovative, forward-thinking companies are taking APIs rather seriously. They have already made APIs an integral part of their strategy. Why do you ask? There is a strong case for doing so. Once an organization adopts API, the result can be rather transformative. Businesses with advanced API capabilities experience better business results than businesses with basic or no API strategies in place.
Benefits of API Integration
Here is a list of benefits of using API integration explained with the help of the example of API programming.
API Integration Can Enhance Customer Experience
We live in an age where customers are considered kings who demand premium experiences. More than half (57%) of the customers worldwide have stopped buying from a provider if competitors provide a better service. Each customer is different, with varying needs. To provide a positive experience to all your customers, you have to stay ahead and leverage the capabilities of web-based APIs.
simplifies REST API integration
API Integration Can Drive Connectivity and Collaboration
Understanding what API stand’s for and why it exists is key to integrating data in the modern technological sphere. With changing technologies, processes, and workflow within an organization, APIs ensure that collaboration and connectivity remain strong. Therefore, almost 50% of B2B collaborations occur through APIs. Without API management, they can’t remain competitive. Moreover, it can compromise business connectivity and cooperation. Consequently, the company will eventually get trampled by the competition.
Innovation is the fuel that drives successful companies. 56% of worldwide customers make a conscious decision to purchase from innovative businesses. With API integration, you can supercharge innovation, expand your reach, and discover new markets that you may miss otherwise.