What is an API?<\/h2>\n
API<\/a> stands for Application Programming Interface<\/strong>. To best understand what it stands for, start by looking each of these three terms:<\/p>\n Based on these definitions, an API is an interface that allows computer programs to automatically interact under specified, documented conditions, without human intervention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Companies, organizations, consumers, the media, and the general public all use APIs, either directly or indirectly via web applications and websites.<\/p>\n APIs can be designed in almost any programming language, including JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Java, Python, and more. This means that they are available in a variety of formats.<\/p>\n APIs<\/a> expose features (for example, real-time data streams, or maps) or data to designers and developers, who can then write programs that use this data or feature. When they do, it creates an interaction between the two programs.<\/p>\n APIs can be used by organizations of all sizes and across all sectors<\/strong>. They can take advantage of APIs to:<\/p>\n In general, the more data you can collect<\/a> and share<\/a>, the higher the quality of the services you can provide, both internally and externally. This makes APIs an essential tool in creating data experiences that add value and engage users.<\/p>\n To illustrate the importance of APIs, here are a selection of use cases:<\/p>\n APIs can be used in a variety of environments:<\/p>\n A private API can connect internal data sources to facilitate better information access between an organization\u2019s data<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Private API use often requires a key<\/strong> (known as an API key) or an authentication token (such as a JSON Web Token). This key allows the interface to identify you as a user<\/strong> and grant access to its services. For example, on a website, it’s the data you use to access your customer account (your username and password). The API connects the website to the customer account.<\/p>\n Some organizations, such as municipalities, may choose to share their data with the general public<\/strong> by making it open data<\/a>.<\/p>\n Any group that wants to offer new services based on this information can simply access it via an API, providing automatic updates as data changes.<\/p>\n Partner APIs fall between the first two types. They can be shared with a company’s partners, such as its suppliers, or with other companies that provide complementary services. The idea is to generate new revenue streams or expand existing ones. Partner APIs can also help improve external collaboration through service sharing. And since API access is limited to partners only, data security is maintained.<\/p>\n Here at Huwise, APIs are part of our toolkit. In fact, every dataset automatically generates its own structured API, as well as an explorer console and reference documentation.<\/p>\n This allows us to standardize the creation of data-driven products and services<\/a>. Whenever a user consults a dataset, the API allows them to simply reuse the data on their website, or within another application. This makes APIs a core technological component of data sharing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
What does an Application Programming Interface (API) do?<\/h2>\n
A universal app<\/h3>\n
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APIs in action<\/h3>\n
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What are the different types of APIs?<\/h2>\n
Private APIs<\/h3>\n
Open APIs<\/h3>\n
Partner APIs<\/h3>\n
APIs at Huwise<\/h2>\n
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