API Overview
Software applications use various technologies to deliver the experiences you interact with. The client side, or front end where you fill out a form, handles what you see. The server side, or back end, manages the behind-the-scenes storage, processing, and retrieval of data.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) bridge these two sides and enable data to flow smoothly between them. When you submit data on the client side, like clicking Submit on a form, the API carries the data request to the server side and brings back the appropriate response.
Strict rules govern API request and responses to exchange data accurately and securely. This includes properly formatting the details of the request and entering the necessary permissions to gain access to the data, like knowing a secret handshake. Understanding the rules is key to effectively using APIs. Once you get them right, the API delivers the data you need to provide your application with powerful capabilities.