API stands for Application Programming Interface. In the context of APIs, the word Application refers to any software with a distinct function. Interface can be thought of as a contract of service between two applications. This contract defines how the two communicate with each other using requests and responses.
How APIs Help You Develop Apps Faster #
APIs are a smarter tool for building seamless and robust applications. Without them, building sophisticated apps would take ages.
Imagine that you need your app to perform complex operations, the type that takes a ton of time and effort to build. And then someone shows up with a ready-made program that does exactly what you want, and possibly better.
But how can you connect this to your app? The provider, realizing this might give you some hard time, then told you they created a connection interface (API) that makes their code and yours integrate seamlessly.