What Is the Main Reason to Use an API?
Introduction API stands for Application Programming Interface. APIs are small pieces of code that make it possible for digital devices, software applications, and data servers to talk with each other, and they are the essential backbone of so many services that we now rely on. APIs are needed to bring together applications that are built and built to share data and perform pre-defined processes. APIs act as a middle man between two software.
Reason to Use API? Integration with Internal and External Systems: One of the top reasons developers use APIs is to integrate systems with other systems. For example, if you want your CRM system to integrate with your marketing automation system, you can do so by using an API so that the two systems can talk to each other so that when a sales rep adds. So you can automatically send a marketing email.
Increasing the Efficiency of Internal and External Systems: Another reason for using APIs is to further enhance the functionality of internal systems as well as external systems. For example, if you have an internal system that tracks vacation days for managers, you can use an API to enable employees to request vacation days from their email.
Enhancing Functionality for Customers: Sometimes when you add or improve functionality, it's about enhancing customer experiences and helping them interact better with your organization. For example, if you worked for a food delivery company, you can use an API to automatically notify customers when they arrive at their homes.
Reduction in Cost of Operation: The use of API significantly reduces the cost of operation. APIs help to perform many tasks that can be performed by humans, from pulling reports to sending emails to sharing abstract data from one system to another. API development can help reduce operating costs in many other ways.
2
Reducing Software Development Cost: APIs reduce software development costs by enabling developers to develop reusable components. For example, a backend developer might design a system that provides data about customers including their names, email addresses, current product purchases, etc. Then other developers in the organization can use the API to take that information and track payments for finances and accounts.
Enable Mobile App: APIs are also used in mobile. Mobile application APIs are used to deliver important information to mobile users. For example, if you use your mobile phone to check-in for a flight and select your seat, the API may communicate the seat you selected so that flight attendants know when you are on the ship so where are you sitting?
Improvements in Software and System Testing: APIs can help quality engineering teams improve software and systems testing by allowing separate tests for frontend components, parts of software that users see, from testing backend components, parts of software that users see don't see.
3