What is an API?

Hey folks!

In today's post, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about APIs. Don't worry, it's not going to be that difficult :). So without further ado, let's get started!

Definition

Application Programming Interface (API) is a software interface that allows two applications to interact with each other without using user intervention. In simple terms, API means a software code that can be accessed or executed.

Types of APIs

Open APIs
Also known as Public APIs. These APIs are publicly available and there are no restrictions to access them.

Partner APIs
These APIs are not publicly available so you need specific rights or licenses to access them.

Internal APIs
Internal or private. They are developed by companies to use in their internal systems. It helps you to enhance the productivity of your teams.

Composite APIs
This type of API combines different data and service APIs.

Web Services API

SOAP
It defines messages in XML format used by web applications to communicate with each other.

REST
It makes use of HTTP to GET, POST, PUT or DELETE data. It is basically used to take advantage of the existing data.

JSON-RPC
it uses JSOn for data transfer and is a light-weight remote procedural call defining few data structure types.

XML-RPC
It is based on XML and used HTTP for data transfer. This API is widely used to exchange information between two or more networks.

Features of API

• It offers valuable services (data, function, audience).
• It helps you to plan a business model.
• Simple, flexible, and quickly adopted.
• Managed and measured.
• Offers great developer support.

Examples of API

1. Razorpay API.
2. Google Maps API.
3. Spotify API.
4. Twitter API.
5. Weather API.
6. PayPal API.
7. Hubspot API.
8. YouTube API.
9. PayTm API.
10. Amazon's API.
11. Travel Booking API.
12. Stock Chart API.

Wondering if there are any testing tools? Well, lets dive in!

API Testing tools

Postman
It is a plugin in Google Chrome, and it can be used for testing API services. It is a powerful HTTP client to check web services.
For manual or exploratory testing, Postman is a good choice for testing API.

Ping API
It allows us to write test script in JavaScript and CoffeeScript to test your APIs. It will enable inspecting the HTTP API call with acomplete request and response data.

vREST
vREST API tool provides an online solution for automated testing, mocking, automatic recording, and specification of REST/HTTP APIs/RESTful APIs.

That's it! Don't forget to read through my article for more information on how to build your own API :- https://dev.to/mitchiemt11/build-an-api-in-less-than-3-minutes-b21

Cheers.