Mobile Application

What is an API?

These three letters stand for Application Programming Interface and without APIs, a whole range of integrated digital services would be unavailable – from posting pictures on social networking sites to sending email via SMS. API implementation is what lets applications, libraries and operating systems understand one another and interact, turning technology and software from complex niche devices to broadly accessible, multi-purpose consumer services.

An API works in a similar way to a user interface; providing an abstract interface for functional interaction between different componenets of different software systems. There are several different categories of API, tailored to specific or general uses. The two main categories are:

• General APIs – this is the most extensive form of API, effectively the part of a programming language that allows for functional interactivity between different programmes. Examples include the Standard Template Library in C++ or the Java API.

• Specific APIs – these are APIs designed for a specific problem or purpose. Examples include Google Maps API, which lets developers access the Google Maps data templates to build visualisations and tools such as journey planners or online pedometres, or an SMS API for text message marketing campaigns.

The most common type of API though has to be those aimed at web development. Tools for web development are often published freely (though retaining proprietary rights to the code), with the overall intent of facilitating the consturction of an open architecture for web content and data between different applications and online communities.