Connecting applications and interconnecting the web
What is API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface and it roughly defines the processes and calls that allow one application to connect and communicate with other programs.
In other words, an API is a language that allows one program to send information to another, making sure they both understand each other. By doing this your website or application 'gains' all the information available through the program's API.
Who uses APIs?
Everybody uses API. From a company perspective, APIs allows others to change things that aren't working and create new functionalities that complement your own. APIs are becoming more and more common and most companies now have their own API to allow others access to their data.
When will I need an API Integration?
API's are useful for highly specialized web applications and websites in that they work by giving visitors and customers more flexibility and capabilities on the site. It can help make your website more 'friendly' by connecting to other programs and giving or requesting information.
A good example is when you use your Facebook account to register or login to another program. The programming that allowed those two to connect is the API. Another example is when a shopping cart gives you the shipping rate from a delivery company. The API lets you send the shipping company information on the shopping cart and the company replies with the available quotes.
How long does it take?
The times for API integration vary depending on how complex the API is. Most APIs come in the form of a library that includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and variables. In other cases an API is simply a specification of remote calls. These factors plus how clear the API documentation are all points that our developers will have to evaluate in order to give you a firm integration date.
How do I know if I need an API integrated?
If you are trying to create something that will need to have 2 or more programs exchanging information between each other, you will need an API. Speak to one of our YBW API Integrations specialists today and learn more what kind of API is right for you!
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