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API

An API (Application Programming Interface) is an interface that allows two software applications to communicate with each other via a set of well-defined rules and access points.
Specifically, an API exposes functionalities or data that another application can consume: retrieve a list of users, send a payment, generate an image, etc. It's the fundamental building block that allows services to connect with each other.

Related Services

Custom development

Related Terms

Backend Framework Node

The API in practice

What are APIs used for in business

  • Connect systems - ERP, CRM, e-commerce, marketplaces, business tools communicate via APIs.
  • Expose data or functionalities to partners (integrators, distributors, B2B clients).
  • Decouple front-end and back-end - modern architecture clearly separates the interface and business logic.
  • Integrate third-party services - payment, AI, geocoding, weather, electronic signature, anti-fraud.

Best practices for design

  • REST or GraphQL as needed - REST for simplicity, GraphQL for flexible client-side queries.
  • Version from the start to evolve without breaking existing clients.
  • Document with OpenAPI / Swagger: the documentation is as important as the code.
  • Authenticate - API key, OAuth 2.0, JWT according to context.
  • Limit and observe - rate limiting, logs, latency and error rate metrics.

Caveats

  • Security - strict input validation, injection protection, logging of sensitive access.
  • Performance - default pagination, cache, database query optimisation.
  • Scalability - anticipate version deprecation without breaking existing integrations.
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