APIs are awesome, most big companies wouldn’t be existing if not for APIs. In order to use APIs, you have to be familiar with some programming languages. Python is recommended as the best language for APIs because python uses a lot of libraries and the most common library is the request library. Welcome to anythingprogramming.com, in this article we are breaking the use of APIs and how to learn it from scratch. To learn API, you must learn some programming language like python and also use API you should be able to read and understand documentation.
What is
an API?
API (Application
Programming Interface) It is a server(computer) as well as software that can
be used to collect data and also send data with the use of codes. An API has well-structured
documentation that helps developers to integrate it into their projects
Also from Wikipedia,
an API is a connection between computers or between computer programs. It is a
type of software interface, that offers a service to other pieces of software. A
document or standard that describes how to build or use such a connection or
interface is called an API specification.
In simple
terms, an API is an interface that allows two applications to interact with
each other.
For example,
when you use your mobile phone to check weather updates it is an API that will
fetch that data for you. APIs are really useful in developing a well-organized application
that fetches data outside its environment.
7 Examples of
Applications That Rely on APIs
1. Uber
2. Instagram
3. Facebook
Messenger
4. Weather
Snippets
5. PayPal
6. Google maps
7. Booking apps
Why Do Developers Use APIs?
APIs collect
data from software and make sure that it is compatible with external
software. API is just an interface so end users do not have direct contact
with it, they only benefit from its use.
If you are familiar
with web development (Frontend), a user only sees the interface of the
applications but not the logic behind the interface. Similar to APIs, the user
only reap from it after the API has delivered its request.
Can a
Non-Programmer Use API?
Why will you
use API when you have zero knowledge about programming. Although API has some
documentation that developers use. If you are not a developer, then API will
be kind of hard to use knowledge. The reason for this is the primary target of those
APIs are developers, and not ordinary users. It's like a command prompt. Is it
convenient for you to use it? Or consider another example. In order to fix the engine in your car, you may need to have plenty of devices and potentially
separate buildings. The same is with API. In order to benefit from the usage of them
start with learning some language, and you'll use them with one or two lines of
code in that language.
Conclusion
I hope now
you know what is an API and how to use it in your projects. If you find this piece
useful please share it whiles you comment your thought about this post.
Thank you.