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What is API

An API (Application Programming Interface) facilitates communication between software applications, acting as a bridge for data and functionality exchange. It involves concepts like endpoints, requests, responses, and authentication methods, with various types such as REST, SOAP, and GraphQL. Understanding APIs is essential for building modern applications, ensuring their performance and security.

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Jiyad Khan Sikandri
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9 views

What is API

An API (Application Programming Interface) facilitates communication between software applications, acting as a bridge for data and functionality exchange. It involves concepts like endpoints, requests, responses, and authentication methods, with various types such as REST, SOAP, and GraphQL. Understanding APIs is essential for building modern applications, ensuring their performance and security.

Uploaded by

Jiyad Khan Sikandri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is API (Application programming interface)?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a way for different software applications to


communicate with each other. It acts like a bridge that connects different systems, enabling them
to share data and functionalities without exposing their internal workings.

Beginner Level: The Basics

Think of an API like a waiter in a restaurant.

 You (the client) look at the menu and place your order (request).
 The waiter (API) takes your order to the kitchen (server) and brings back your food
(response).

In software:

 The client is an application or user requesting data or services.


 The server is where the requested data or service resides.
 The API is the messenger that delivers the request to the server and brings back the
response.

Examples:

 Using Google Maps on a website: The site uses Google Maps' API to display maps.
 Logging in with Google or Facebook: Websites use APIs to authenticate users.

Intermediate Level: How APIs Work

APIs define a set of rules for how applications can interact. These rules include:

1. Endpoints: Specific URLs where the API can be accessed.


o Example: https://api.example.com/users
2. Requests: The type of operations you want to perform.
o HTTP Methods:
 GET: Retrieve data.
 POST: Send new data.
 PUT: Update existing data.
 DELETE: Remove data.
3. Responses: The data or message sent back by the server, usually in formats like JSON or
XML.

Example (Weather API):


 Request:
GET https://api.weather.com/v3/weather?location=Bannu
 Response (JSON):

json
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{
"location": "Bannu",
"temperature": "30°C",
"condition": "Sunny"
}

Authentication:

APIs often require authentication to ensure security.

 API Keys: A unique identifier provided to the client.


 OAuth: A more secure way to grant access to users.

Expert Level: Advanced Concepts

1. Types of APIs:

 REST (Representational State Transfer):


o Stateless, uses HTTP, and works with standard operations (GET, POST, etc.).
 SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):
o Uses XML for messages, has strict standards, and is used in enterprise systems.
 GraphQL:
o Allows clients to specify the structure of the response, reducing data over-
fetching.
 WebSocket APIs:
o Used for real-time communication, e.g., chat applications.

2. API Rate Limiting:

 Controls how many requests a client can make in a specific period.


 Example: 1000 requests per day.

3. API Testing and Tools:

 Tools: Postman, Insomnia, or cURL.


 Testing involves:
o Checking request-response cycles.
o Validating authentication and error handling.
4. Building an API:

 Use frameworks like Flask, Django (Python), or Express.js (JavaScript).


 Define endpoints and handle requests.
 Example with Flask:

python
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from flask import Flask, jsonify

app = Flask(__name__)

@app.route('/api/hello', methods=['GET'])
def hello_world():
return jsonify({"message": "Hello, World!"})

if __name__ == '__main__':
app.run(debug=True)

5. API Management:

 Tools: AWS API Gateway, Apigee, or Azure API Management.


 Features include:
o Monitoring usage.
o Handling scaling.
o Securing endpoints.

Summary

An API is a vital tool for building modern applications, enabling them to communicate and share
functionalities. Mastering APIs involves understanding their types, creating and consuming them
effectively, and ensuring their performance and security.

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