Discover the World of APIs: Learn about RESTful API, JSON, OAuth, GraphQL, and more!
An API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. APIs play a critical role in the development of modern, networked software applications, including mobile apps and websites. Here we present the 20 most popular terms related to APIs:
- RESTful API: This is an API design model that uses HTTP protocols and allows data to be created, read, updated, and deleted.
- JSON: A data format commonly used for API requests and responses.
- OAuth: An authentication protocol that allows apps to access users' account information without knowing their password.
- Microservices: An architectural style in which an application is built as a collection of small, independent services that communicate via APIs.
- SOAP: A protocol for exchanging structured information in the implementation of web services.
- GraphQL: A query language for APIs that allows clients to retrieve exactly the data they need.
- Webhook: A way for an app to send real-time information to other apps.
- Rate Limiting: A method of controlling traffic to an API.
- API Gateway: A server that manages traffic between clients and services.
- Serial: A cloud computing model in which the provider takes responsibility for server management.
- OpenAPI: A specification for machine-readable API interfaces.
- Postman: A popular tool for testing APIs.
- API Management: The practices and tools used to manage and monitor APIs.
- API Integration: The connection of APIs from different services to enable seamless collaboration.
- API Security: the practices and tools used to protect APIs from threats and attacks.
- API Testing: the process of verifying the functionality, performance, and security of an API.
- API Versioning: the practice of maintaining multiple versions of an API.
- API Design: The process of planning an API in terms of its structure, resources, and methods.
- API Endpoint: The specific URL to which an API request is sent.
- API Key: A unique identifier used to authenticate an API request.
These terms are just a small part of the vast world of APIs and their applications. APIs make it possible to build complex applications and systems that can access a range of services and data sources. They are an indispensable tool in modern software development.
