I've found myself, on the business side of development, not as a developer, talking about APIs so much lately that I'd like to take 5 minutes to reflect.
As a quick starting point, I went and checked what the Wikipedia definition of API is.
From Wikipedia:
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of functions, procedures, methods or classes used by computer programs to request services from the operating system, software libraries or any other service providers running on the computer. A computer programmer uses the API to make application programs.Types of API include web services API like the Twitter API, which allows programs to use the API to receive updates on tweets.
As a business user, It has a bit of a blah blah tone to it, but then there is a nugget of gold in the very last line. The Twitter API allows programs to use the API to receive updates on tweets. So it’s a small nugget, but a nugget nonetheless.
If you are looking to build, say a web application that required updates on tweets, without APIs you would have to develop that functionality from the ground up. Which costs time and money – bam you’ve sped your time to market for your little start-up.
So how do I define what an API is?
I subscribe to the view that APIs are an interface into set of functions. These functions could be 1000s of lines of code or more written by developers (Developers that may not be on your payroll).
APIs minimise the need for deep domain knowledge and expertise in all functions. With the Twitter example, you don’t need to be an expert in this space. So Focus on your core expertise, don’t worry about becoming a developer to ship products, use the expertise of others via APIs to get products to market fast.
Sounds simple right?
Comment below, I'm happy to answer questions.
✅ @sinlol, let me be the first to welcome you to Steemit! Congratulations on making your first post!
I gave you a $.03 vote!
Would you be so kind as to follow me back in return?
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@sinlol welcome to the world of steemit community. Sounds like you are a technical savvy guy with application programming knowledge.
I wonder why you pick twitter as your focus? Is twitter somewhere link to steemit?
Perhaps if you divert API for steemit platform, then I can relate its value-add.
This is just my thought. I look forward to see your self introduction and you can use the tag "introduceyourself" as one of the five tags
Cheers
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I like the idea of a post about Steemit and hopefully some relevant API examples. To answer your question I only mention the Twitter API due to it being in the wiki post.
Sorry for late reply, still learning this platform :)
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Congratulations @sinlol! You received a personal award!
You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!
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