API

Application Programming Interface, commonly known as an API, is a software tool that enables two applications to communicate with each other through specific definitions. 

To briefly answer what an API is; it is the connection interface used by an application to access data, server software or other programs. 

Through APIs, a large volume of data can be easily accessed via the web or smartphones without the need for a new infrastructure. This removes the need for a new program, and communication is handled in a practical and fast manner. 

The term API was first represented in a paper titled "The Relational and Network Approaches: Comparison of the Application Programming Interface" published by Christopher J. Date in 1974.

The use of these increasingly common programs is being utilized for various purposes in numerous fields. They are often used by web developers and software developers, with applications ranging from WhatsApp messaging, to weather updates, to making card withdrawals on e-commerce sites, and even to cars. 

APIs use protocols such as HTML, XML and JSON. HTML is used for web-based APIs, XML for SOAP APIs, and JSON for Rest APIs.
 

Where are APIs used?

APIs are used for various purposes in most web and mobile applications as they facilitate communication between clients and servers. API applications are as follows:

• When authorization to log in to applications using social media credentials is given
• When fetching data from Facebook's servers that belong to you
• When communicating with the bank while making payments in e-commerce transactions
• In weather applications
• In applications where live stock market data are tracked
• In distributing software updates in applications
• In providing location data

What are the Advantages of Using an API?

APIs simplify the management of existing tools or the creation of new ones. Some of the benefits of APIs include:

1. API creates a firewall. Data is securely transferred as only a single request is sent to the server through the API, instead of sharing all data with the common server.
2. Many processes can be handled more quickly and easily thanks to the API. It allows you to easily test features and functionalities.
3. API simplifies program development. It enables the resolution and reuse of complex software processes. There is no need to develop an application again with the use of API. Instead, time is left to work on new tools and features. 
4. API allows for time and cost savings as there is no need to develop an application again. There's also less maintenance cost.
5. API increases the traffic and visibility of websites or mobile applications. 

What are the Types of APIs?

APIs are classified according to their usage and architectures. 

Types of APIs According to Their Use

Internal APIs: These are APIs that are used only by certain individuals and hidden from external users. These APIs are defined for specific departments within a company and are kept hidden from third parties. They are mostly used for reuse and production. 

Open APIs: These are APIs that are open for use by developers and everyone else. They are also known as Public APIs. They are further classified into paid and free within their own category. 

Partner APIs: These are the APIs that allow coordinated operations for companies running a specific partnership. They are not open to everyone. For instance, the communication between an e-commerce site and a shipping company is made through Partner APIs.

Composite APIs: Composite APIs are APIs that combine multiple data or service APIs, allowing developers to access multiple endpoints in a single call. 

Types of APIs According to Their Architectural Structure

REST API: 

The Representational State Transfer, abbreviated as REST API, is an API service that operates using the HTTP protocol. 

It uses specific functionalities from HTTP requests such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE. Rather than XML, REST uses the JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) as data format. 

REST is a frequently used architectural model for creating modern web-based applications. Due to its useful structure, ease of maintenance, easy integration, and lightweight nature, it is one of the most preferred types of APIs. 

SOAP: 

The Simple Object Access Protocol, or SOAP, is an API architecture that enables data transfer with a more stringent security structure.

Communication in this architecture is facilitated through an XML format. Its configuration is more challenging compared to Rest API. However, it has a strong security structure.

The Most Popular API Services and Some Useful APIs

APIs are shared free of charge or for a fee via various services. Marketing, website, banking, email, messaging, social media, news service, map and video APIs are among the most popular APIs. 

There are numerous APIs to interact with from industry giants. Here are some useful API Management tools:

Google API: These are APIs offered by Google to pull data from its own apps and websites. They provide the capability to integrate services provided by Google such as Analytics, Adsense, and Google search with your own project. You can review Google's APIs here. 

Whatsapp API: This is an API service that allows the addition of a Whatsapp button to a website. With the WhatsApp Business API, you can create a company profile, send messages, and receive messages using your desired integration with the APIs. You can also create and use message templates as you please. 

Facebook API: This is an API that allows the addition of a Facebook button to a website and connect to Facebook. Facebook Api Key is a key that allows developers to attach like and share buttons to their website. 

Youtube API: YouTube API allows access to YouTube channel data. These APIs enable the addition of the YouTube experience to a web page, application, or device. 

Conclusion: APIs Make Life Easier for Developers

Thanks to APIs, developing software has become much easier. Thanks to the automation features of APIs, developers can perform their tasks more quickly and cost-effectively. 

According to Forbes, forward-thinking companies are reducing costs and time by utilizing APIs to solve their problems. Companies are also increasingly benefiting from APIs to regulate their data flows and manage a smoother process between applications every day. Learning this system could be a great plus for your career.