Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs)
Introduction
API = Application Programming Interface
• Enables communication between two software systems
• Acts as a bridge connecting client and server
• Example: Mobile app fetching data from a server
Why APIs Are Important
• Reuse functionality without rewriting code
• Improve integration and automation
• Enable modular software design
• Power modern web and mobile applications
How APIs Work
• Client sends a request → Server processes it →
Server sends a response
• Usually works via the internet using HTTP/HTTPS
• Example:
• Request: Get weather for “Chennai”
• Response: JSON data with temperature and humidity
REST API
• REST is a standard architecture for web APIs
• Works with HTTP methods
• Stateless — each request is independent
• Common formats: JSON, XML
HTTP Methods
• GET → Retrieve data (e.g., Get user info)
• POST → Send new data (e.g., Add a new user)
• PUT → Update existing data (e.g., Edit user details)
• DELETE → Remove data (e.g., Delete a user)
API Endpoints & Requests
• Endpoint: URL where API resource is located
• Example: [Link]
• Includes:
• - Base URL
• - Path
Authentication & Security
• APIs often require authentication:
- Bearer Token (OAuth 2.0)
• HTTPS ensures secure data transfer
• Example Header: Authorization: Bearer<your_token>
Real-World API Examples
• Google Maps API – embedding maps in apps
• Weather API – fetching live forecasts
• PayPal / Stripe API – online payments
• Spotify API – managing playlists and songs
Conclusion
• APIs = backbone of connected applications
• RESTful design makes integration simple and
scalable
• Secure, efficient, and reusable
• “APIs let software talk to each other — and that’s the
language of innovation.”
