In Java web development, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) act as intermediaries that allow different software systems to communicate and share data seamlessly. When a client (like a browser or mobile app) sends a request to the server, the API handles that request, processes it, and returns the appropriate response usually in formats like JSON or XML. This interaction typically occurs over HTTP protocols using RESTful web services or sometimes SOAP, depending on the architecture.
Java developers commonly use frameworks like Spring Boot to build and expose RESTful APIs. These APIs define endpoints (URLs) and HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to interact with backend data, such as retrieving user information or updating records in a database. Java handles incoming requests through controller classes, processes the data using services, and communicates with the database using repositories ensuring the separation of concerns and better maintainability.
APIs also play a vital role in integrating third-party services such as payment gateways, social media login, or data analytics tools. By using APIs, Java web applications become modular, scalable, and easier to manage.
To explore how Java APIs are built and consumed in real-world projects, check out this java full stack developer course.
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