What is an Application Programming Interface (API) and How is it Used?

The API acronym stands for “Application Programming Interface,” and its Turkish equivalent is “uygulama programlama arayüzü.” To answer the question what is an API briefly: it is a bridge that allows different software systems to communicate with each other. An API enables one application to access the data or functionality of another application securely and in a controlled manner. APIs create multiple advantages for businesses such as system-to-system integration, ecosystem development, and cost efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at Application Programming Interfaces in more detail!

Another question as frequently asked as what is an API is how does an API work. The API working principle is based on enabling communication between two software systems using a request–response model. The API architecture is typically explained in terms of client and server. The application sending the request is called the client, while the application sending the response is called the server. APIs work in four different ways depending on how they are created and their intended use:

REST API

This is the most widely used type of API on the Internet. It operates over the HTTP protocol and exchanges data in JSON or XML format. The client sends data to the server as a request; the server processes this data, performs the necessary operations, and sends the result back to the client. Examples of REST API usage include e-commerce websites, mobile applications, and payment systems.

SOAP API

SOAP API is an older type of API strictly bound to standards, using the Simple Object Access Protocol. It transmits data in XML format and is robust in terms of security and transactional integrity. Typical SOAP API use cases include critical data transfers in banking, insurance, and the finance sector.

RPC API

Known as Remote Procedure Calls, RPC APIs allow an application or client to call a function or procedure located on another server as if it were local. In other words, you can execute an operation on a remote system as if it were on your own system. The RPC API working model consists of client requests, server-side processing, and response delivery. First, the client sends a request to call a function on the server. The server receives the request, executes the function, prepares the result, and then sends the processed output back to the client.

WebSocket API

A modern web API that uses JSON objects to transfer data, the WebSocket API provides persistent, bidirectional communication between client and server. This means that when the client sends a request, it doesn’t just receive a single response; the server can also push real-time data to the client. The WebSocket API working model consists of establishing a connection, bidirectional communication, and real-time updates.

APIs generally operate over the HTTP protocol and mainly use four core commands:

• GET: Requests data from the server. Example use case: Retrieving product listings or price information on an e-commerce site.
• POST: Adds new data to the server or initiates a process. Example use case: Creating a new order or registering a new user.
• PUT: Updates or modifies existing data on the server. Example use case: Updating user profiles or order details.
• DELETE: Deletes data from the server. Example use case: Closing a user account or canceling an order.

Using APIs enables businesses to seamlessly integrate different software systems and platforms. This allows data to be shared automatically, manual processes to be reduced, and operational costs to be lowered. Moreover, APIs accelerate decision-making processes through real-time data flow, while their scalable and flexible structures allow systems to easily adapt as the business grows. Finally, APIs enable rapid integration with business partners and third-party services, fostering innovation and accelerating time-to-market for new solutions. The use and benefits of APIs can be further detailed as follows:

Ease of Integration

APIs facilitate seamless communication between different software systems, simplifying integration. For instance, data flow between CRM, ERP, and e-commerce platforms can be fully automated.

Time and Cost Savings

Because ready-to-use services can be leveraged, the need for building everything from scratch is reduced. This shortens development time and lowers operational costs.

Real-Time Data Flow

With APIs, systems can receive and send real-time data updates. This speeds up decision-making processes and enhances customer experience.

Faster Time-to-Market

Thanks to APIs and modern integration technologies, businesses can develop and launch new products and services more quickly. As manual data entry and complex system integrations are eliminated, development cycles become shorter; testing and deployment can be carried out faster, increasing competitive advantage and supporting innovation.

Innovation and Collaboration

APIs and modern integration solutions simplify integration with business partners, suppliers, or third-party developers. This accelerates the launch of new services and applications.

Expert Solutions

With modern cloud and API solutions, businesses can obtain complex infrastructure and software requirements externally without building them in-house. For example, services such as payment systems, logistics tracking, or data analytics can be integrated quickly and securely through third-party providers. This approach allows businesses to focus on core processes, reduce development costs, and accelerate time-to-market.

Better User Experience and Higher Satisfaction

APIs and modern integration systems allow businesses to deliver their applications and services to customers quickly, smoothly, and seamlessly. Real-time data flow, automated updates, and smooth integration between different systems ensure that users can access applications and services faster and more reliably. This enhances customer satisfaction, strengthens loyalty, and provides businesses with a competitive edge.

Today, businesses are required to use multiple software systems and platforms together. APIs enable seamless sharing of data and functionality between these systems. As a result, manual processes are reduced, workflows are automated, and operational costs decrease. In addition, APIs make it possible to bring new products and services to market faster, deliver a seamless and consistent experience to customers, and simplify integration with business partners. Therefore, to strengthen your digital transformation journey and gain a competitive advantage, it is essential to leverage API solutions. With GlassHouse, you can access many services tailored to your needs. For example, if you want to store your unstructured data securely and at scale, you can take advantage of our Object Storage as a Service. Additionally, you might also be interested in our article covering the OSI model and its layers.