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API Basics Summary

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols that enables software applications to communicate. It includes various types such as REST, SOAP, and GraphQL, and utilizes endpoints, HTTP methods, and authentication methods to function effectively. APIs are crucial for modern software development, facilitating integration and scalability across applications.

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10 views2 pages

API Basics Summary

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols that enables software applications to communicate. It includes various types such as REST, SOAP, and GraphQL, and utilizes endpoints, HTTP methods, and authentication methods to function effectively. APIs are crucial for modern software development, facilitating integration and scalability across applications.

Uploaded by

ttsmd7frjj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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API Basics Summary

API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software

applications to communicate with each other.

Key Points About APIs:

1. **Definition**: An API defines how software components should interact. It's like a messenger that takes

requests and tells a system what to do.

2. **Types of APIs**:

- REST API: Uses HTTP requests and is widely used on the web.

- SOAP API: Uses XML and is more strict and secure.

- GraphQL: A newer API query language that allows clients to request only the data they need.

3. **Endpoints**: Specific URLs that perform a function in the API (e.g., /api/products).

4. **HTTP Methods**:

- GET: Retrieve data

- POST: Submit new data

- PUT/PATCH: Update existing data

- DELETE: Remove data

5. **Authentication**: APIs often use API keys, tokens (like JWT), or OAuth to control access.

6. **Response Format**: APIs usually return data in JSON or XML format.

7. **Error Handling**: Standard HTTP status codes are used to report errors (e.g., 404 Not Found, 500

Internal Server Error).

8. **Use Cases**: APIs are used in web apps, mobile apps, IoT devices, third-party integrations, etc.

9. **Documentation**: A good API comes with clear documentation, often using Swagger/OpenAPI.
10. **Security**: Best practices include rate limiting, input validation, and HTTPS usage.

APIs are essential in modern software development for modular, scalable, and maintainable applications.

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