What is an API and How Does it Work?
In today’s digital era, the term API is often heard, especially in the context of application development and information technology systems. However, what exactly is an API, and how does it work? This article will discuss in depth the meaning of API, its benefits in application development, and how APIs work in the context of modern systems.
Understanding API
API stands for Application Programming Interface or in Indonesian called Application Programming Interface. API is a series of rules and protocols that allow various applications or services to communicate and exchange data with each other. In other words, API functions as a bridge that connects one software to another, allowing the two applications to work together without having to know the implementation details of each application.
Think of an API as a waiter at a restaurant. You (the application) order food from the menu (data source or functionality) through the waiter (API). The waiter then passes your order to the kitchen (server) who prepares the food, and then the waiter brings the food back to you. This process illustrates how APIs act as a bridge between applications and servers.
API Uses and Benefits
APIs play a vital role in modern application development because they increase efficiency and flexibility. Here are some of the main uses and benefits of APIs:
1. Make it easier to create functional applications
One of the main functions of API is to make it easier for developers to build functional applications without having to build all the features from scratch. By using API, developers can access services or features from other existing applications. For example, when an e-commerce application uses a payment API from a third-party service such as PayPal or Stripe, the application does not need to develop its own payment system. It simply uses the existing API.
2. Application Development Efficiency
APIs allow developers to use existing components without having to develop everything from scratch. This saves time and resources in the application development process. For example, developers can use the Google Maps API to add maps and navigation to their applications without having to build a mapping system from scratch.
3. Lighten Server Load
In some cases, APIs can also help reduce server load. For example, if an app wants to display weather data to its users, instead of having to collect weather data itself from various sources, it can use an API from an external weather service. This not only reduces the processing load, but also ensures that the data displayed is always up-to-date.
API Types
APIs are divided into several types, depending on how they are used and who has access to them. Here are four main types of APIs that are often used:
1. Public API
Public API is a type of API that is publicly available, meaning that anyone can access and use this API without restrictions. Public APIs are typically used by companies to allow external developers to connect to their services. An example of a Public API is the Twitter API which allows developers to access Twitter data and functionality.
2. Private API
In contrast, Private APIs are only available for internal use within a particular organization or company. Private APIs are often used by development teams to connect various internal systems without opening them to the public. For example, a large company might have several applications that need to connect and communicate with each other, and they use Private APIs to manage that communication.
3. Partner API
Partner APIs are designed to be used by specific business partners of a company. Partner APIs typically require special authorization and are used to enable collaboration between companies that already have a business relationship. An example of the use of Partner APIs is in the banking system, where banks use APIs to enable fintech companies to access their financial services.
4. Composite API
Composite APIs allow users to combine multiple API requests into a single API call. This is useful in situations where an application needs to access multiple services or API endpoints to complete a single task. For example, in a single Composite API call, an application can request information about a user, a transaction, and a shipping status in a single request.
How the API Works
To better understand how APIs work, we can look at how the communication process occurs between the application, API, and server. Here are the basic stages of how APIs work:
1. Application Accessing API
The process begins when an application or client makes a request to use a feature or data from a particular server. This request is made through an API. For example, a weather application will send a request to the weather API to get current weather data based on the user’s location.
2. API Makes Request to Server
After receiving a request from an application, the API will forward the request to the appropriate server. This server is the one that stores the data or provides the service requested by the application. The API acts as a bridge that conveys requests from the application to the server.
3. Server Responds to API
Once the server receives a request from the API, it processes the request and sends an appropriate response. This response can be the requested data, such as weather information, or confirmation that a certain action was successful.
4. API Provides Response to Application
After the server responds, the API sends the response back to the application that made the initial request. The application then uses the data to display information to the user or perform further actions.
For example, if a weather app requests the latest weather information via an API, the server will send the weather data, and the API will pass that data to the app, which then displays it to the user.
Conclusion
In the world of application development, API or Application Programming Interface is an essential element that allows different applications to communicate with each other and exchange data in an efficient and structured way. APIs simplify application development, increase efficiency, and allow developers to take advantage of features and services from other applications or services without having to build them from scratch. By understanding how APIs work, companies and developers can maximize the potential of technology in creating innovative and functional applications.
The use of APIs, especially REST APIs, has become the standard in building modern applications. REST APIs leverage the HTTP protocol and enable fast, efficient, and easy-to-use communication for developers. In an increasingly connected world, the role of APIs will continue to grow as applications increasingly need to interact with each other.
Understanding the concept of API in depth will greatly help developers in leveraging this technology to create better and more efficient solutions.
References: hostinger.co.id , niagahoster.co.id , codingstudio.id .
Author: Yazid Yusuf – Directorate of Information Technology Center
