An Easy Guide to Understanding API Integration 

In the digital era, connectivity plays a huge role in our daily lives. To simplify our activities, and to maximize business opportunities, we need API integration to ensure communication between systems and applications that usually work independently.  

A good API helps to create a digital space that can reach its true potential. 

Posted by ZONK Digital at October 8, 2024

How Does an Application Programming Interface Work? 

API is the acronym for application programming interface. To better understand what an API does, you can think about communication in terms of questions and answers between a client and a server. In this context, you have two applications or systems – the client application that makes a request and the server application that provides an answer. API is the bridge that connects the client app and server app.  

In real life, an API can be considered the server that brings us food from the kitchen in a restaurant.  

Communication is facilitated by an API through various rules that establish the way the two applications communicate with each other.  

To make API calls, you need to follow three easy steps: 

  • Make a valid request (GET, PUT, POST, DELETE, or PATCH); 
  • Add an HTTP verb; 
  • Send a request to the API’s access point. 

After you make the API call, the server will process it and send back a response. Depending on the success of the receipt, you will receive a response code, such as 200 (Ok), 404 (Not Found), 201 (Created), 202 (Accepted), and 500 (Internal Server Error). 

What Is an API End Point?

An API end point is a digital location, a URL, where developers can access specific digital data. Better put – API end point is where the client and the server communicate, allowing the two applications to share resources and information.  

An API end point has an essential role because it facilitates the process of accessing resources. End points are unique URLs that represent various data points or services in an API.  

In an API, the end point, on the root level, is a base URL. Meanwhile, the resources form a specific part of the URL, the one that is responsible for identifying the resources that need accessing.  

What Is API Schema? 

The API schema is the metadata that defines the conditions of an API call that need to be met in order for the request to be valid.  

The conditions or specifications can include different details like the purpose of the end point, the HTTP method, or any other specific request established by the developers.  

The API end point cannot provide the information required by a client if the specifications from the schema are not met.  

The conditions within an API schema can be summarized as “If, only then”. To better understand how these conditions work, you can think about them like an invite to an event with a dress code. If you don’t respect the dress code, you cannot attend the event. Back to APIs, if the specifications or conditions are not respected, the client will not receive an answer to their request. 

Types of API 

Based on functionality, APIs can be: 

  • Private API – developed for bettering the solutions and services provided by an organization. They are usually used to build software or to integrate IT systems; 
  • Partner API – this type of API is dedicated to business partners, and it is utilized by both the partners and your business for software integrations; 
  • External/Public API – usually used by developers, these APIs allow the development of a business by generating new income sources and brand awareness; 
  • Database API – through these types of APIs, an application can access a database that manages different types of data resources; 
  • Web API – the most common type of API that represents the relationship between the client and the server by providing answers to API calls.  

APIs are supported by different types of protocols. A protocol is the way communication happens in a server. The purpose of the protocol is to communicate to an API how to formulate calls and answers.  

The protocol type is dependent on the purpose of the API development and its restrictions. 

The Most Common Types of API And What They Do 

REST and SOAP are the most common API technologies. Alongside these two, we have to mention RPC and GraphQL. 

The Most Common APIs and What They Do  

REST – Representational state transfer 

A software architectural style, REST is very easy to use, allowing access to information through a URL. Data transfer happens via HTTP.  

SOAP – Simple object access protocol 

Standard method to make and receive requests between different APIs that use different operating systems, SOAP is compatible with HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), FTP (file transfer protocol), SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol), and other similar protocols. 

RPC – Remote procedure call 

One of the oldest communications methods between applications is RPC. The difference between RPC and REST or SOAP is the fact that RPC helps make a remote function while REST and SOAP are used to extract data or resources. 

GraphQL  

GraphQL was created as an alternative to REST. This type of API allows more precise requests for accessing necessary data. Furthermore, with the help of GraphQL, the client won’t receive the entire database of information but only the requested one. 

APIs We Interact with Daily 

  • Mobile app authentication or authentication on websites that allow creating an account; 
  • Tracking numbers – creating or following them; 
  • Online reservations; 
  • Online payments through third parties; 
  • Navigations apps like Google Maps; 
  • Any social media platform; 
  •  SaaS applications; 
  • Client management platforms for clients who use chats or email. 

 

Benefits of API Integration for Your Business  

The application programming interface comes with lots of business benefits for those who want to increase work efficiency and maximize goals.  

Automation 

Collecting and analyzing data is simplified and accelerated by using an API. 

Increased workflow efficiency 

Besides collecting and analyzing data, APIs can also create reports that simplify workflow by organizing the information collected in databases. 

Innovation through collaboration 

Whether we talk about the internal collaboration of your teams or the collaboration with external partners, APIs allow you to access and distribute information fast for solving problems and facilitating teamwork. 

Design and development simplification  

Simplifying the design and development process of new apps or services but also the management of the apps you currently use. 

Increased Security 

By separating the app that makes a request from the infrastructure of the server that offers an answer, APIs increase the security between the two communicating systems. 

Data privacy and protection 

Protecting user data is easier with an API – while APIs can offer information about the users of a website, the same website asks permission to access and utilize personal data. Users can accept or deny the request. 

Better sales processes  

Make sales easier with API integration – APIs allow apps to access certain smartphone folders without the client having to use another app. Moreover, APIs prevent data loss in case different departments from your company don’t use the same apps to manage data. 

Increased performance 

Data transfer from one app to another happens very fast (a few milliseconds) when you use an API, allowing your employees and your partners to access data they need whenever they need it. 

Increased productivity  

Without API integration, employees need to use different applications to access the information they need to do their jobs. When the applications are connected by an API, data can be accessed through a single app, maximizing workflow.  

Reducing human error 

Manually transferring data from one database to another can cause numerous problems – import errors, information loss, and misplacing important resources. With APIs, you can reduce, if not eliminate, human error. 

Employer branding  

By reducing repetitive and time-consuming tasks, you will create a pleasant work environment for your employees. API integration increases productivity and allows your employees to focus on what they love to do, decreasing the time spent on boring tasks.  

Better client service 

Your employees will not be the only ones benefiting from an API, your clients will as well. When the client service team helps them faster, clients will for sure enjoy working with you more.  

Vulnerability Risks of APIs 

Despite mentioning that API integration offers extra security to companies, connecting to a server always comes with security risks. 

The most common API attacks: 

  • Authentication attacks – hackers can obtain personal data by intercepting the authentication process.  
  • Vulnerability exploitation – BOLA (broken object-level authorization) is a security vulnerability that allows user access to an application without verifying if the user is authorized to access it; excessive accessing of users’ data; propagation of users’ data without their permission. 
  • DDoS – an attack that increases traffic with the intention to crash the services provided by the company. 

To avoid risks associated with API integration, it is important to work with a business partner that will ensure that your business is in good hands. ZONK’s team has tech-oriented people who are also great communicators – the perfect combination for those who want a partner who can contribute to their business’ digital success. 

If we convinced you of the importance of workflow efficiency, don’t forget we can help you transform your digital presence through API integration services 

Connectivity and communication will turn into easy-to-manage processes for you and your team. 

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