API: Difference between revisions
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The world is changing from analogue to digital and it is becoming increasingly important for companies to adapt to changes rapidly. APIs make it possible to exchange functionality and data in a structured and therefore stable way. As a result, companies can continue to focus on their key competences and combine these with services via APIs.<ref>https://www.retriever.nl/en/buzzword/api/</ref> | The world is changing from analogue to digital and it is becoming increasingly important for companies to adapt to changes rapidly. APIs make it possible to exchange functionality and data in a structured and therefore stable way. As a result, companies can continue to focus on their key competences and combine these with services via APIs.<ref>https://www.retriever.nl/en/buzzword/api/</ref> | ||
== API key == | |||
An application programming interface key (API key) is a code passed in by computer programs calling an application programming interface (API) to identify the calling program, its developer, or its user to the Web site. API keys are used to track and control how the API is being used, for example to prevent malicious use or abuse of the API (as defined perhaps by terms of service).<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_programming_interface_key</ref> | |||
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
Revision as of 08:41, 16 February 2018
Introduction[edit]
In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools for building application software. In general terms, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components. [2]
How does it work?[edit]
I am VERY GRATEFUL to Retriever Media Informatie B.V. who granted me permission to use their API material for my site.
An API provides limited access to the functionality or data of an application or (online) service so it can be integrated into another application or service. Google Maps’ API, for example, offers the possibility to integrate maps into your own website or app. The possibility to integrate the functionality of existing services ensures you don’t unnecessarily have to reinvent the wheel. You can expand your own offers and services by using APIs from other companies.
Technique In technical terms, an API contains a set of rules that manages and structures the communication between the various applications or websites. The API indicates what kind of data you can retrieve, how to do this and the format in which you will receive the data. When you do this according to the rules of the API, you will receive data or you can connect with functionalities which you will be able to use in your own application or websites. This way, the API is the link between your app that wants data and the supplier of the data. Data is mostly delivered in XML- or JSON-format.
Who provides APIs? Many large companies provide an API. Facebook, Google (for, among others, Google Maps and YouTube), Dropbox and Buienradar are examples of companies that make their API available. When you are able to register for a service via Facebook, or share a website without having to leave the website, this is enabled by the Facebook API. Facebook benefits from this because their service is being used without them having to disclose their code.
There are different forms of APIs: private APIs are only there for internal use. Partner APIs are only made available to companies by agreement. This ensures quality control to some extent. Public APIs are made available for use by the public. Everyone can use them.
The world is changing from analogue to digital and it is becoming increasingly important for companies to adapt to changes rapidly. APIs make it possible to exchange functionality and data in a structured and therefore stable way. As a result, companies can continue to focus on their key competences and combine these with services via APIs.[3]
API key[edit]
An application programming interface key (API key) is a code passed in by computer programs calling an application programming interface (API) to identify the calling program, its developer, or its user to the Web site. API keys are used to track and control how the API is being used, for example to prevent malicious use or abuse of the API (as defined perhaps by terms of service).[4]
Examples[edit]
Thank you to google for releasing this code under CC30[5]
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Simple Map</title>
<meta name="viewport" content="initial-scale=1.0">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<style>
/* Always set the map height explicitly to define the size of the div
* element that contains the map. */
#map {
height: 100%;
}
/* Optional: Makes the sample page fill the window. */
html, body {
height: 100%;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="map"></div>
<script>
var map;
function initMap() {
map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById('map'), {
center: {lat: -34.397, lng: 150.644},
zoom: 8
});
}
</script>
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&callback=initMap"
async defer></script>
</body>
</html>
What is an API (video)[edit]