Are you new to the world of web development then you must have to listen to the word “API” and might be curious about it too? So in this article will get know what is API and some terms related to it with our daily life examples. So let’s get started.
What is API according to Wikipedia?
If we want to know anything we first try to find it on our favorite website Wikipedia, so let’s have a look what Wikipedia is saying about the term API
In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools for building application software. In general terms, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components. A good API makes it easier to develop a computer program by providing all the building blocks, which are then put together by the programmer.
This is a perfect definition but it is a bit complex and a very beginner cannot understand it. So in this, i will make you understand with the help of daily life examples.
What is an API?
API stands for application programming interface. API is the piece of code which is written by some another website to provide some services.
Let’s make it pretty more easy to understand. Suppose you have to fly from Delhi to Mumbai and you have chosen for Indigo (Does not promoting any services) then you can book your tickets from the there official website or from any other website which you liked the most. You booked the from any website in this world but you still get the ticket on the same flight where all the passengers are sitting who booked a ticket from a different website, you might be wondering how this can be possible.
All this thing can be easily possible through API, so guys this is the power of API. Hope you understand the term API.
What is an API key?
Here comes the most important term related to API which is called API key.
We will understand API key with daily life examples as we did in API.
Here we are taking the example of Google account. As we all know that we need only one account to access all Google services like drive, you tube, google plus and etc. and on many websites which is not google product you can use your google account to access their services or for signup purposes.
Moreover, If any website is misusing the Google APIs ,in that case,Google can not take the API code back but Google can do one thing i.e. Google can suspend the use of API then the code is of no use.
There are many APIs which are paid so their API key is pretty important.