API (Application Programming Interface)

Definition

API stands for application programming interface, which is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs allow two applications to talk to each other — share data, and extra data with each other

Why it matters

APIs allow different products or services to interact without knowledge of their internal workings, streamlining app development and reducing costs. They're like contracts, with documentation detailing the expected response to specific remote requests. APIs help simplify how developers integrate new application components into an existing architecture, making it easier for technical teams to develop and deploy app functionality more quickly to respond to business needs.