What is API Integration?
Connectivity is not just another buzzword of the day. Whether we like it or not, we’re surrounded by devices that communicate with each other. It’s similar when it comes to the world of software development – components interact and ‘talk to’ each other and therefore enable building more complex solutions using these preset building blocks. And that’s exactly what API is for, to facilitate this communication.
API (Application Program Interface) can be understood as a certain set of protocols, tools, code specifications and routines that are used to determine how software components should interact. It’s an interface allowing communication between two (or more) programs, devices, data or services.
It can also be perceived as a type of contract to perform described actions when asked in specific ways. Other good metaphor is that API is a helpful waiter linking the restaurant table with the kitchen, communicating cooks what guests ordered and bringing it to them when ready – although the waiter himself is not preparing any food, without this link it would not be possible to have a meal, i.e. to cooperate and have a two-way conversation.
Custom API Development or using open API?
Thanks to API, two or more separate systems can work together and achieve results otherwise not within their reach. With this in mind, nowadays a good API is no longer nice-to-have, it’s a must-have without which the app wouldn’t be able to be properly developed and then used with engagement.
Each operating system, every website or application can have its own API set. Usually operating environments like Windows, Google Maps, Twitter, Facebook or Amazon provide APIs in order to facilitate writing apps by third-parties, but using their solutions. These public tools are called Open APIs, and you can access them without restrictions. There are more than 15 000 Open APIs out there!
Another type of API would be a Partner API, where specific permissions or licenses are needed to use them. Some APIs are also used internally, within certain organisations or companies, in order to improve their product and services. Other, such as composite APIs, combine different data and service APIs, running synchronously without a task request. All of them serve a very important role in communication and inter-linking.
Why API is so important?
There are two most important reasons why API is such a meaningful tool:
The benefits of API integration
API brings a lot to the table, both to developers and the business.
The technology behind API services
When it comes to public APIs, the most popular and therefore commonly used are Web Service APIs, that use WWW addresses (say URLs) to provide access to services behind them. Here are the four most popular Web Service APIs:
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
SOAP uses proprietary XML as a data transferring format. It defines the structure of messages and communication methods. SOAP publishes a definition of its interface using Web Services Definition Language. It is driven by functions and has very strict rules and advanced security that have to be obeyed. It also requires more Bandwidth comparing to other solutions.
XML-RPC
This protocol is a bit older and much simpler comparing to SOAP. In comparison to JSON-RPC, it introduces more security. It’s mainly document-focused, allowing to use various types of data – text, numbers, charts, graphs, images etc.
SJSON-RPC
JSON-RPC is a remote procedure call protocol written in JSON, a lightweight data-interchange format. Instead of using an XML format to transfer data, it uses JSON. Although it’s purely data-focused, it supports only text and numbers and is known for being rather less secure. But if performance is your major goal, then it’s the way to go, not to mention its simplicity and consistency.
Representational State Transfer (REST)
REST is not a protocol, it’s a set of architectural principles driven by data, that have certain characteristics. It includes simple interfaces, rather easy to identify within the request resources. REST also allows manipulating these resources. Nevertheless, guidelines for using it are fairly loose and allow some flexibility for developers. Also, REST requires only minimum Bandwidth.
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ASPER BROTHERS – your partner in API integration
API is a must-have link between systems and devices that brings plenty of benefits, no doubt about it. As it’s crucial to both developers and the business, it’s important to work on API implementation with
a partner that understands both of these worlds at the same time, and has what it takes to ensure connecting these dots.
At Asper Brothers we are aware of how significant impact on the business APIs has. At the end of the day, we’re businessmen ourselves. Simultaneously, we’re tech-savvy and are proficient when it comes to software development. Thanks to that, we facilitate harnessing the benefits of technology and bring value to the business.
Our strong work ethic combined with a culture of open communication are great additions to skills and experience you can tap into when cooperating with us.
Looking for a partner in API implementation? Look no more.
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