API Integration

What is an API Integration?

API Integration is the process of connecting two or more software systems through their APIs so that the programs can communicate and exchange data with one another.

What is an API?

An API, Application Programming Interface, is a way for two or more computer programs to talk to each other using a set of predefined specifications or protocols. 

What is a REST API vs an API?

An API is a more general term that refers to any set of protocols, routines, or tools for building or connecting software applications, while a REST (Representational State Transfer) API is an API that uses HTTP to manipulate or retrieve data. 

How does an API Integration Work?

As mentioned above, an API is a tool to connect two disparate pieces of software. This API allows them to communicate, work together, and function as part of a software whole without interfering with the other.

How an API integration works is that first, the user must select the API they wish to use. Some APIs are public and open source, and some must be acquired through specific vendors. 

Once the API is selected, it must be integrated. This is done by either writing custom code or using pre-built integration packages provided by the vendor of the specific API. 

When the API is chosen, integrated, and deployed, it then needs the same work that any other piece of software or code does, meaning that the API needs to be tested regularly and maintained periodically to make sure the API is updated and performing at its best.