Application Programming Interface enables connection between two or more apps and exchanging them all data. It allows you to get rid of time-consuming labor work, enhances productivity, and drives a higher rate of return. However, if you are working in revenue, operations, and marketing, you might have heard the term API over & over again in the organization.
So, according to Wikipedia, the definition of API is defined as
“…A set of subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools for building application software. In general terms, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components.”
Let’s take a look at real-life examples-
- The automation workflow between B2B software tools.
- The fight information is exchanged between airlines & travel sites.
- The Embedding if youtube videos into a webpage
- The creation of chatbots services in messenger.
- The Automated workflows between B2B software tools.
The majority of people are perturbed by this term & don’t know its significance till now. But put your mind at ease as in this write-up, we’ll dive into the in-depth concept of API ecosystem & API integration.
The Functionality of API Integration
In simple terms, API work as a virtual middleman enabling the transmission of information from one system to another at a time. It connects all parts of a software platform and ensures that the information will be delivered to the right place. However, these functions are not only limited to internal communication channels but also give access to external tools for the same information. Henceforth, APIs can be categorized into two parts-
- Internal/private APIs
- External/open APIs
Private APIs
A private API refers to the one that is only available to the developers & users within the organization. This APIs help in making the internal team processing smooth & seamless by minimizing the siloed work.
External API
External APIs offer access to external developers so that they can integrate information from one tool to another. This open API enables developers to save huge time by connecting their platform with all previous existing tools. However, it reduces the requirement to create new functions or tools from scratch.
Usage of APIs In Diffrent Sectors
API integration is used in varieties of sectors and some of them are mentioned below:
- APIs power desktop applications.
- APIs are behind most web applications.
- APIs make the working of mobile applications possible.
- APIs define the networks—or the information passed between applications, systems, and devices.
- APIs are the integrations for no-code solutions.
- APIs help in connecting devices with the Internet.
- APIs even connect everyday things like automobiles, doorbells, dishwashers, and wearable devices.
Major Reasons For Having a Robust and Reliable API Ecosystem
Have you ever wondered about the reasons why APIs are getting more remarkability in enterprises? To address this answer, we have asked several developers & professionals why they are considering API ecosystem in their business, and here are the top answers:
- Improving the Functionality of Internal as well as External System
The major reason that developers consider API integration is that the use of API adds on or enhances the functionality of external & internal systems. For Example- if a company has an internal system for tracking vacation days for managers, instead of this, they can utilize API that enables employees to request days off directly from their email id.
- Adding the Functionality of Clients
On account of enhancing functionality in the enterprise, it’s obvious that it will boost customer satisfaction as well. This way, they’ll start to interact with your business. For Instance: Suppose you are working with a food delivery company, aren’t you using API that automatically notifies the clients when their food is on the way like Zomato & Swiggy.
- Boosting the Speed of Software & System Development
Establishing APIs means now developers can code & deliver functionalities as microservices rather than large monolithic applicants. However, when the developer breaks up this functionality, the speed of software development goes up and eliminates the dependencies. It also minimizes the overhead of indulging in code reviews, testing, and more.
Additionally, it allows the frontend and backend developers teams to work in parallel. Simply, frontend developers can do their work of frontend what users & clients can see, while backend developers work on underlying the system and it can’t see by users & customers.
- Enhancing Enterprise Security & Governance
Did you know a well-established robust API improves organizational security? For Instance- Mostly APIs are used to power Single sign-On, which allows users to have one username & password to login into multiple systems. This in turn helps in overcoming the dreaded pile of sticky notes with several usernames & passwords otherwise, which can be a major security risk. Moreover, APIs can also be used to automate corporate rules & policies such as getting approval before paying expenses to employees.
- Mobile-friendly API Application
There are several mobile applications that rely on APIs delivering some significant information to mobile users. For Example- When you check your mobile phone to check-in for flight attendants to get insights over your seat and when you get on board. This is all API integration.
- Minimizing Software Development Cost
APIs can reduce the software development cost to a greater extent by enabling developers to create reusable components. For Example- Suppose a backend developer creates a system that includes all information i.e. name, email addresses, recent product purchases, and many more. Now, then another developer in the same organization can use APIs to grab that information and can easily track payments helping customers by resolving their problems as soon as possible.
However, they can also create a roadmap marketing plan for the campaign. It reduces the software development cost by minimizing the architecture complexity as well as reducing the efforts needed to do some changes to the system.
Final Thoughts
To end up this write-up by concluding that the API ecosystem fosters new innovation and speedy growth. If you haven’t set up API integration yet, you can contact DigitalAPICraft which delivers the best customized API integrated platform as per your requirements.
