Speaking the language of digital technologies, API is a special software interface where you can create a connection between two participants using a certain set of rules. This mechanism is also convenient and easy for developers to add and edit functionality in the API, they do not need to rewrite the entire code for this purpose. Also, information can be automatically loaded there from other resources using coded commands.
There are 4 main types of API:
Private. It is also called internal sometimes. This kind of software is supported only by the company’s internal systems. It is intended for the work of specialist teams, for their access to the necessary information and collaboration between each other.
Public. These are open APIs that do not require any special access. Anyone can use them and find them in the public domain.
Affiliate. This one is designed to build collaboration between two stakeholders. An example of such an interface is the large Sabre tourist platform. dataart sabre api is one of the leaders in the development of this API type and its further maintenance
Composite. This type combines several simultaneously functioning processes. Its main task is to speed up workflows and complete tasks
For writing an API, a developer needs to use any of the web protocols which contains a set of rules and the output results in accordance with them. Here are some of the most popular options:
XML-RPC. This is a very lightweight protocol used by developers. It uses a special XML format where data converts.
-supports various types of data (text, numbers,pictures and graphics, and so on)
-has an excellent degree of protection
-focused mainly on the document itself
SOAP. Its main function is to determine the structure of submitted messages and the method of their binding. This is one of the oldest types of protocols, almost all developers know how to work with it.
-powered by functions
-requires maximum bandwidth
-follows clear rules
REST. This one can hardly be called a protocol, it’s more likely a set of hierarchical principles. REST uses a set of characteristics that interact with the necessary queries and interfaces.
-rather free framework where the developer can flexibly manage the functions
-launched on the basis of data
-minimum bandwidth
JSON RPC. This is absolutely the same as the first option, only JSON is used instead of XML.
-supports only text format (letters and numbers)
-focused solely on data
-has a very weak security system
You can also divide the variety of APIs into categories. There are an infinite number of them, as the categories can be very different. Let’s take a look at the most popular.
–Music. This category of API includes everything that can be connected with listening to and searching for music. For example, Shazam is a bright representative of such an interface, also various online players where information about new compositions is updated every day and it is possible to listen to them
–Medicine. Recently, telemedicine software has become very popular. This direction is new and not many companies are engaged in such development yet. You can read more about the advantages and functionality of such APIs on https://telemedicine.dataart.com/. The main task of such interfaces is to collect, store and work with personal medical data. The opportunity to consult with medical specialists without leaving home and much more
–Food. This one includes everything related to food and restaurants. These are applications where you can order food delivery from supermarkets, cafes and others. This area has become very popular with the advent of lockdowns in our lives, so the availability of information and functionality for a restaurant in the web space is mandatory in order to meet the conditions of the modern market
–Banking. It is impossible to imagine modern life without a bank in your phone. Everything related to banking operations is faster and more convenient to do remotely without visiting a bank branch. Also, the presence of API plays an important role in the interaction of the bank with other financial institutions and greatly facilitates the workflow.