API stands for Application Programming Interface. Put simply, APIs are functions that allow you to create applications. APIs access data and features of applications, services, and operating systems.
APIs are similar to LEGO because you can mix, match, and reuse them to build new services.
APIs collaborate behind the scenes with applications to allow communication of data for systems to work—the super glue of the digital world. APIs are an efficient way to find the information you need to plug in to your service.
APIs are not just used for digital companies. They are also maintained by government agencies, banks, healthcare, conferences, publishing, manufacturing, and even individuals.
So what API would you need for your business? Well here are 4 types.
- Open APIs are publicly available for everyone to use.
- Partner APIs are custom designed, by enterprises, to offer access for business partners to buy and reserve products (tickets, bookings, etc…)
- Private APIs are used for internal processes and are not public.
- Composite APIs combine data and service to allow you to bundle multiple API calls together.