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Read MoreIn 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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
Based on functionality, APIs can be:
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.
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
A software architectural style, REST is very easy to use, allowing access to information through a URL. Data transfer happens via HTTP.
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.
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 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.
The application programming interface comes with lots of business benefits for those who want to increase work efficiency and maximize goals.
Collecting and analyzing data is simplified and accelerated by using an API.
Besides collecting and analyzing data, APIs can also create reports that simplify workflow by organizing the information collected in databases.
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.
Simplifying the design and development process of new apps or services but also the management of the apps you currently use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite mentioning that API integration offers extra security to companies, connecting to a server always comes with security risks.
The most common API attacks:
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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