API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other, defining how requests and responses should be structured.
Why It Matters
APIs enable your software to integrate with other services, power mobile apps, and let third-parties build on your platform.
When to Use This
- Mobile apps communicating with backend servers
- Integrating payment processors like Stripe
- Connecting third-party services to your platform
- Enabling data exchange between systems
Examples
- Stripe API processing payments in your web app
- Google Maps API showing locations in your application
- Your app sending customer data to Mailchimp via API