In computer science the term API – Application Programming Interface denotes a set of definitions and protocols by which application software is implemented and integrated.
APIs – Application Programming Interfaces actually enable communication between systems (or parts of the same system) and are based on a continuous exchange of calls (“calls”) and responses to send data.
As can be easily guessed, APIs are the basis of many applications, services, websites, devices.
APIs originated with computer science: in the early days they were used as a means of interaction between libraries and operating systems, the first reference to the term API is from the early 1950s while the current conception of the term dates from February 2020.
As can be easily guessed, APIs offer significant advantages.
In particular:
- strengthens the spread and coverage of a brand, as they allow its applications to be easily used;
- facilitate open source innovation to ensure greater efficiency for development.
Regarding types, we can note, four different classes of programming interfaces:
- APIs related to the functions;
- File-oriented API;
- APIs related to the protocol;
- Object-oriented API.
Regarding the implementation of APIs and the subsequent integration of applications through their use, it is important not to underestimate the testing phase.
To date, there are systems that easily allow testing of APIs. Among the best known we report, POSTMAN and Curl.
