What is API?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules (code), subroutine, protocols, and specifications that software programs can follow to communicate with each other. It serves as an interface between different software programs and facilitates their interaction, similar to the way the user interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers.
APIs let your product or service communicate with other products and services without having to know how they’re implemented. This can simplify app development, saving time and money. When you’re designing new tools and products—or managing existing ones—APIs give you flexibility; simplify design, administration, and use; and provide opportunities for innovation.
In other words, an API is the interface through which you access someone
else's code or through which someone else's code accesses yours.
An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, database system, computer hardware or software library. Technically speaking, An API specification can take many forms, but often includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, variables or remote calls. Microsoft Windows API, Google APIs, the C++ Standard Template Library, REST API, and Java APIs are examples of different forms of APIs.
Some practical examples where APIs are used frequently
Policy Bazaar, Yatra.com, Goibibo, Foodpanda, Zomato like websites are very good example where APIs are used a lot. These websites interact with various provider websites using APIs to fetch you the results for comparison based on which you select the best deal.
Another example can be taken from Online shopping using Internet Banking where you buy a product from a shopping site (say Amazon, Flipkart etc.) and while you pay for it using your credit card through shopping site, it takes you to the bank gateway/website for authentication, credentials verification, and payment. There is a lot of interaction going on in the background b/w the applications that happens with help of APIs.
Types of APIs
- REST
- SOAP
- ASP.net
REST API
REST, or Representational State Transfer, is a commonly used API category that us protocol independent. It offers a flexible integration option that allows developers to use a standardized set of processes to achieve their goals. The architectural style is straightforward and streamlines the connection between the client and server. REST is considered a relatively user-friendly API to work with, and many developers are experienced in this technology.
Real examples of REST APIs
- Gmail
- Github
SOAP API
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), is an API that connects different platforms together through HTTP and XML languages. This API is basically used in Web applications or services. The structure and requirements for SOAP are more rigid than REST, and it’s defined by a specific protocol. Web applications have started moving away from this older API type, as it’s harder to implement flexible integration. However, this structure does allow for more stringent security measures and includes stateful operations without custom coding. SIOAP APIs can also be used in coding within programing languages such has PERL, Python, or PHP.ASP.NET API
ASP.NET is a specific form of a REST API designed using .NET technology. In most cases, a Windows server is required to easily work with this technology. The primary benefit to ASP.Net API is that the structured framework that’s in place. If you are working with Windows-based technology, you can send HTTP protocol messages to a variety of platforms. The entire framework is lightweight and easy to work with, which can speed up development time and add flexibility into your third-party integration.Summary
APIs are a powerful tool for working closely with your payment solution. You can improve your user experience by keeping customers on your site rather than sending them elsewhere, and you have many ways to work with the data and features available from your card payment solutions. When you’re choosing a new payment provider, take a look at the API types they offer and what you can do with it in your existing infrastructure.
