Site building · Website glossary

API

Quick answer · What is API?

An application programming interface defines how software can request data or behavior from another component.

IN PRACTICE

API: an example

A storefront requests a product's availability through an API instead of reading its database directly.

KEEP IN MIND

Access permissions, request limits, and failure behavior are part of using an API responsibly.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of API?

A storefront requests a product's availability through an API instead of reading its database directly.

What should I consider besides making an API request work?

Access permissions, request limits, and failure behavior are part of using an API responsibly.

Which concepts should I read alongside API?

Webhook: An HTTP request sent by one system to notify another system of an event.
Application server: Software that runs application logic and generates responses using code, data, or other services.