API-application programming interface
An API is a set of programming code that enables data transmission between one software product
and another. It also contains the terms of this data exchange.
The application programming interface must be clearly distinguished from a user interface. The user
interface accepts data from users, forwards it to the API for processing, and returns the results to the
user. The API does not interact with the user but processes the data received from one program
module and transmits the results back to the other module.
How do APIs work?
The working principle of an API is commonly expressed through the request-response communication
between a client and a server. The client is any front-end application that a user interacts with. The
server is in charge of backend logic and database operations. In this scenario, an API works as a middle
layer between the client and the server, making it possible to send data requests and responses.
The Red Hat specialists note that APIs are sometimes considered contracts, where documentation is
an agreement between the parties, "If party 1 sends a remote request structured a particular way, this
is how party 2 software will respond." This contract takes the form of an API specification or
protocol — an architectural blueprint that describes the interface behavior and serves as a rough
guide on how to build a particular API (we’ll talk about the most common API specifications later).
Among other things, the protocol defines core API components.
API components: calls, keys, endpoints
An API call is a request a client app forwards to a server. It contains
operations to be executed (for example, GET to retrieve a resource or POST to send data),
authentication details — for example, an API key that identifies the client,
additional parameters, and
a destination address — the URL of the API endpoint.
An API endpoint is like an entrance to a place where a sought-after resource (data or feature) lives.
The endpoint checks the API key and, if approved, sends back a response with the information on the
operation status (error or success) and requested resources.
API vs webhooks
Often called event-driven or reverse APIs, webhooks enable one-way communication between apps.
They don’t wait for requests, reacting instead to trigger events — for example, a credit card charge or
a subscribe form submission. Once an event occurs, a webhook automatically performs a specific
operation or pushes content from the server to the client’s URL.
Let’s say a hotel partners with Cloudbeds to use their property management system (PMS).
With webhooks enabled, the hotel can subscribe to events it’s interested in — such as a new
reservation creation or changes to booking dates. The PMS will instantly notify the hotel’s app of
changes.
Webhooks work best for sending automated reminders, notifications, and real-time updates. They’re
fast and relatively easy to set up. However, compared to full-fledged APIs, their lightweight relatives
lack functionality, cannot handle intense and complex two-way communication, and have fewer
security capabilities.
API vs SDK
While APIs let you connect your app with existing data sources and services, a software development
kit or SDK is a suite of platform-specific tools (libraries, compilers, debuggers, code samples, etc.) and
documentation that lets developers build an application faster and in a standardized way. Often, the
SDK contains an API or a set of APIs. Conversely, you can build an API using the SDK.
For example, for those who want to have dynamic maps in their apps, Google provides Maps SDKs for
web, iOS, Android, and cross-platform (Flutter) development. In turn, Sabre, one of the leading global
distribution systems (GDSs), offers online travel agencies (OTAs) the SDK to build a customized app
that integrates directly with the Sabre Red 360 booking platform.
API types
There are different types of APIs that can be categorized based on the ways they are available for use
and according to their initial design purposes.
APIs by availability, aka release policies
In terms of release policies, APIs can be private, partner, and public.
