Gateways are used to handle common tasks such as API identification, rate limiting, and usage metrics. API gateways act as gatekeepers and proxies that moderate all your API calls, aggregate the data you need, and return the correct result. API endpoints specify where resources live and who can access them.Īn API gateway is an API management tool that serves as an intermediary between the client and a set of different backend services. For example, an API endpoint could include a server, a service, or a database where a resource lives. When APIs interact with other systems, each touchpoint of interaction is considered an endpoint. The API economy enables businesses to leverage APIs from other providers such as Google to power their own apps, allowing an ecosystem that makes it possible for users to get value from a platform without having to build the APIs, like Uber does when it uses API calls to connect with Google Maps.Īn endpoint is the end of a communication channel. The API economy is just another term to describe the exchange of value between a user and an organization. By entering your login and password into a website and hitting ‘enter,’ you made an API call. Upon receiving your information, it is processed, and you receive feedback. The API call is simply the process of sending a request to your API after setting up the right endpoints. API is a set of definitions and protocols that allow technology products and services to communicate via the internet. But what is an API? And what about the other pieces of the API ecosystem? This glossary will give you some short and handy definitions to understand more about APIs, cut through the jargon, and make the processes easier.Īpplication Programming Interface is what API stands for. One of the most transformative shifts is the increased use of APIs to integrate data and information across channels, platforms, and devices.Ī well-designed API can be a key competitive advantage for your business. With the introduction of APIs, companies now have a new way to expand their company’s reach and also make it easier for customers to perform tasks.

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