The payment processor doesn’t require access to the user’s bank account the API creates a unique token for this transaction and includes it in the API call to the server. Customers can enter their card details on the frontend of an application for an ecommerce store. Also, during the exchange, HTTP headers, cookies, or query string parameters provide additional security layers to the data.įor example, consider an API offered by a payment processing service. API calls usually include authorization credentials to reduce the risk of attacks on the server, and an API gateway can limit access to minimize security threats. Whereas a user interface is designed for use by humans, APIs are designed for use by a computer or application.ĪPIs offer security by design because their position as middleman facilitates the abstraction of functionality between two systems-the API endpoint decouples the consuming application from the infrastructure providing the service. While the data transfer will differ depending on the web service being used, this process of requests and response all happens through an API. The API transfers the data to the initial requesting application.The server sends a responseto the API with the requested information.After receiving a valid request, the API makes a call to the external program or web server.This request is processed from an application to the web server via the API’s Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and includes a request verb, headers, and sometimes, a request body. A client application initiates an API call to retrieve information-also known as a request.APIs sit between an application and the web server, acting as an intermediary layer that processes data transfer between systems. How an API worksĪn API is a set of defined rules that explain how computers or applications communicate with one another. Developers don't need to know how an API is implemented they simply use the interface to communicate with other products and services. API use has surged over the past decade, to the degree that many of the most popular web applications today would not be possible without APIs. This allows services and products to communicate with each other and leverage each other’s data and functionality through a documented interface. What is an application programming interface (API)?Īn application programming interface, or API, enables companies to open up their applications’ data and functionality to external third-party developers, business partners, and internal departments within their companies. Application programming interfaces, or APIs, simplify software development and innovation by enabling applications to exchange data and functionality easily and securely.

What are apps on a computer