An application programming interface (API) is a specialized piece of computer code that enables two different applications, programs, or databases to communicate with each other and initiate tasks and processes. APIs allow data to be extracted from one software application while ensuring that the data is formatted and passed to the next application without change, even when the feature sets of the associated apps have been updated. API integrations are Apps built to make use of API data.
Since about 2005, interest in APIs has been increasing exponentially. The importance of APIs to the public, businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, and programmers seems to be growing by the day. APIs are driving technical innovation at an ever-quickening pace, with everything from photo sharing, to online shopping, to hailing a cab facilitated by APIs.
APIs are proliferating rapidly as businesses use them to handle complex technological demands and produce seamless, efficient user experiences. As of this writing, the API directory site ProgrammableWeb lists 21,100 APIs in its database. Amazon Web Services, Facebook, Google, YouTube, Twitter and thousands of other major companies have APIs available.
API integrations empower businesses to leverage the data and functionality of applications to create innovative products and offer access to wider audiences, supporting the creation of new business models and streamlined omnichannel retail strategies. Integrating platforms and apps removes barriers to revenue growth and allows organizations to scale fast.
The global “API economy” is evolving as an increasing number of organizations seize business efficiencies and work to stay competitive by launching business models based on the controlled exposure of enterprise digital services and assets to developers and other consumers. At Wodu Media, years of experience leave us uniquely positioned to help with your custom API programming requirements. We specialize in connecting APIs to produce results that are often game changing for our clients.
An electrical wall socket is an endpoint that allows appliances and other electricity consuming items to be plugged in and connected with the larger electrical grid. An API is similar in that it represents an endpoint that allows applications to take advantage of functionalities offered by a platform or database. Only the provider’s infrastructure capacity and the developer’s imagination limit the number of applications that can be plugged into an API.
“Don’t reinvent the wheel. The internet is full of wheels… and most of them have APIs.”- Andy Chung, Entrepreneur
API integrations are also essential to supporting the increasing reliance on cloud-based apps and tools. Working with multiple cloud services is far more efficient when APIs are used to streamline application management. Web APIs also power mobile and social applications, along with innovative forms of e-commerce that deliver compelling user experiences by leveraging the combination of Web services and contextual information.
A classic example of API integration that has revolutionized user experience is the Google Maps API. Thousands of third-party developers have built unique and innovative applications that directly incorporate Google’s mapping functionality. With mobile digital devices becoming ubiquitous, a majority of Internet users are served by API integrations every day.
Smart internal API integrations immediately add to the bottom line by automating manual processes and improving efficiency. External integrations help keep your company relevant and credible by providing cross-functionality with the popular and trusted apps your customers use every day.
API integrations can result in entirely new products and services in the same way that the strategic integration of map apps with service-request interfaces contributed to the birth of driver-on-demand services like Uber and Lyft.
Custom setup and connection of application programming interfaces is the best way to ensure seamless interaction and functioning of your enterprise software systems, adapt network tools for local use, and provide consumers with simple access to applications and data. Contact Wodu Media for a discussion of your custom API programming needs and we will design the perfect API integration solution to meet your business objectives and please your users.