Example 1: what is an api
An application program interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and
tools for building software applications.
Basically, an API specifies how software components should interact.
Additionally, APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI)
components.
A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the
building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.
Example 2: what is api
API (Application Programming Interface) helps in communication
and data exchange between two software systems. It is the channel which
connects two software systems communicate with one another.
An API forms the middle layer of a three-layered application pyramid,
consisting of a data layer, a server layer and a presentation layer.
While the data layer is concerned with data storage and the presentation
layers are concerned with the user interface, the server layer is composed
of business logic that defines the way for users to interact with various
functions, features, and information.
RESTful API ==> plain text, html, xml, json
SOAP ==> more secure, works with only xml
Example 3: what is an api
An application programming interface (API) is a computing interface which
defines interactions between multiple software intermediaries.
It defines the kinds of calls or requests that can be made, how to make them,
the data formats that should be used, the conventions to follow, etc.
Example 4: what is an api
=> On a bare minimum explanation, API are function prototypes which enable the
user to use the functionality of any component by making a function call
without revealing the internal workings of the component.
=> It is a mode of abstraction from the lower layers of software stack , so as
to only provide service when needed for higher layers.
=> An API can manifest in many forms, it can be a simple function call in C,
it can be web service API such as Twitter or FB API, it can be a library call
to OS kernel, or can be an interrupt routine.
=> API can be just a standalone call or in form of libraries. API are part
and parcel of software interaction and data transfer.
Hope this clarifies.
Example 5: what is api
API : Application Programming Interface
An api is a particular set of rules and specifications that programs can
follow to communicate with each other .
The end user sends request , API executes instructions then get the data
from the server and responds to the user.
Example 6: purpose of api
Knowing the purpose of the API will
set a firm foundation for you to
well prepare your test data for input
and output. This step also helps you
define the verification approach.
For example, for some APIs, you will
verify the responses against the
database; and for some others, it is
better to verify the responses
against other APIs.