What Are APIs? - Simply Explained

APIs are very technical, and yet they are used everywhere. Simply put: APIs allow different apps and services to work together in various ways. In this video, I'll highlight four ways in which APIs can be used: to access data, to hide complexity, to extend functionality, and for security/privacy reasons.
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[@ahmermirza]

I always wondered if the apps like Uber built their own map from the scratch. Now, I know that they are probably using some API. The many examples quoted in this video are good enough to grasp the concept really well. Thank you!

[@theanonymoustechie]

I think they are using the Google maps api, they have a ton on info about it, check out maps api on google

[@ThishsitwontgetmynameFoFF]

They can build their own apis but they also use others apis 100%

[@ahmermirza]

@@ThishsitwontgetmynameFoFF I agree 👍

[@mavhunter8753]

That's actually a great example, I'm going to use that restaurant example in the future.

[@ahmdm2036]

I quit my job at MacDonalds after realizing i am an api

[@jeanrochelllegaspi5712]

omg

[@huijunkim3967]

Isn't that what society is? Being APIs for each other.

[@shaurya4242]

Stolen comment...and it's McDonald not MacDonald

[@mvisperas]

You can do it! Even a Pennsylvania miner can do coding per Joe Biden.

[@anynameisokay]

I laughed way harder than I should

[@dnyhouse1]

It's sometimes challenging for me to grasp complex technical issues (I have a background in political sciences) and normally I need 3-4 videos/sources to understand something but you explained it so well that I don't need to watch the other ones. Big time & brain energy saver so thanks a lot.

[@anuar.m.y]

god! when i was attempting to learn about VPNs and the different types and different mechanisms! i had to watch 5 different videos until one made sense and explained it in a very simple fashion (search VPN mailbox explanation in youtube) and this made perfect sense!!

[@ICANTHEARHER2222]

You do a good job of applying real life examples and giving the full spectrum

[@RachitMalvi]

I don't know how many videos I had watched(before watching this explanation) to understand this concept. This video gave me the clarity that I was always looking for. Thank you very much!!

[@simplyexplained]

Great to hear!

[@RawHebrewRemnant]

After trying to figure this out for a few years, you made it extremely simple in just 7 minutes. VERY WELL DONE SIR! Thanks

[@patrickbarry9027]

From a buzz word to a relatively good understanding in 45 seconds. That's the one statement that has been the most valuable in understanding API for me. Well done.

[@dwaynelattimore819]

The true geniuses of the world are those who can take what's complicated and make it immediately understandable when teaching with creativity. 🎨 I will also be adopting this analogy! Thank you!

[@DasWompus]

Thank you! My background is in power engineering, but a set of models I have come across have required me to delve into some basic programming/database applications! Just understanding some of these terms that are being used really helps me be able to work through these manuals a lot easier!

[@vmpdtv174]

Thank you for helping the non-developers and beginners understand what an API is

[@xsApollo]

I can't say thank you enough for that great presentation. God bless you. I would subscribe to your channel because of this video alone.

[@rohanradia142]

Another great video 👌 will help a lot of the new developers.

[@moonlighterx]

It's great to have subtitles. I can understand the video by translating it into my own language. Thanks so much again :)

[@zacstred452]

This was really helpful, and the illustrations looked great. One question: is it considered polite to tip your API 20%? 🤓

[@gijbuis]

Earlier computer 'application programs' (as distinct from 'system programs') were independant coding entitities aimed at performing tasks for computer users. A program consists of a 'front-end' (interaction with the user) and a 'back-end' (interaction with data repositories). But as networking increased, application programs interlinked to each other, blurring the distinction between front-end and back-end. Programs communicate with other programs and the API is the interface they use to communicate with each other.

[@sadie1837]

Thanks for the explanation. A few years ago, I started learning API but became disinterested because it was taught in a complex way. Now that I have watched your video, I am thinking about learning it again.

[@SpookshowBabie]

I did not expect that cambridge analytica tie in, I love that this was mentioned, not enough people know about it! Thanks for the video!

[@QaisZayed.work90]

this is such an perfect way to explain API'S like seriously Thank you sm!

[@asclepeus-games]

What helped clarify it to me is this: An API is just a function. A developer writes a function/script and may let others interact with that function (give Input/see Output) through the web. It can do anything a function can do. If these examples help others, that's great, but it leads me a bit astray from what API's actually are.

[@ZhDinerstein]

What a great video. Restaurant analogy is perfect. So easy to understand. Thank you!'

[@its.graceaudrey]

This video gives smart and various exemples, I feel really confident talking about API now thank you !

[@deanos360]

Really fantastic and clear instruction. Thank you for producing this!

[@kamal-hassan]

Wow! This is the first time I finally understood the API thing. Wow I'm so excited. I feel superiority that I finally knew a lot of behind the scenes things. Thank you!

[@arumandkun]

Thanks a lot! Nice metaphor (the restaurant one): It makes things clearer. :)

[@syedumair4622]

3:57 I think it's the 'Kernel' that allows the application to gain access/permissions from the user.

[@ForeverMan]

In the end it's the same thing

[@belowasmelashgebremariam]

It's nice one

[@Isatusesay-k6f]

This is the best explanation of API for me

[@brucetracy8079]

Excellent tutorial. You definitely understand your stuff to be able to explain it so clearly. Well done!

[@randomly_random_0]

this is clearest explanation about API

[@natalya6663]

Thank you for the video! Of all the videos on KZbin, this is an understandable video, straight for those people who do not fumble. Thanks a lot!

[@chanwitwuttioei5361]

you're Cleary explaining. Thank you

[@moyavannesa8506]

Thank you for sharing this information. Lately I have had to keep date with this type of information since I am running an online business with facebook, I was concerned with the Apps Modes and while reading along the instructions I realized I had not ideas what and API was. I highly appreciated that you haven taken the time to educate us.

[@waynesrealworld5801]

This is one of the best explanations I have seen yet. Great job and thank-you for putting this out there

[@TheJoiajackson]

This is the best video i found on the topic. Thank you!

[@kagayakuangel5828]

That was a great explanation. Now I feel llike I know what an API is. It's a tool that connects apps to the system in order to hide complexity and make our lives easier. Plus, rather than painfully having to figure out access a user's data through our own methods, we can use the system.

[@shendrew]

Actually signed in to give this video a 'like' - that's how good it is!!!

[@MyGardenForYou]

What is an API? (Application Programming Interface) API is the acronym for Application Programming Interface, which is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other.

[@RAHULKUMAR-wn8po]

Well explained. After searching many videos I finally got it with your video. Appreciate your efforts how simply you explained. Thank you so much.

[@Gcenzi]

Best explanation I've ever had about APIs

[@readss]

took me 1 minute of the video to understand, ur so good at explaining

[@nahidparvez7346]

BEST BEST BEST!! This video is the best content about the introduction for API

[@abofaiz2348]

😍😍😍What a simple and wonderful explanation ❤Warm regards to you from my depth heart

[@ForWork-mj9fv]

I was wondering how you explain complex topics very simple, not untill I saw your channel name 🔥🏆

[@Hobbit2314]

This is by far the best explanation to the topic that I have watched

[@Entropy-eg1yo]

You made it very easy to understand. Thanks👍

[@AngL70]

I found this really helpful and easy to understand, thank you

[@McCallumClips]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! Well done. You covered everything in an easy to understand and relative way. Would love to hear what negative things were said about this. I can't imagine what they would say.

[@emmavanhise8739]

Thank you! As a content writer you made it so clear Love it.

[@auditocanarsie7355]

Thanks for explaining APIs. How can I tell if a specific website has an API that I can use?

[@OneTapFuture]

I cannot thank you enough for the analogies! The comparisons really allow that "aha" moment :)

[@djfago6240]

This is the perfect explanation. Thank you sir

[@goodness8895]

Awesome! I'm a prgramming newbie, the animation to display what the APIs work is very clear for me!

[@christelcassil7890]

Does an API determine how apps and website pages fill/fit on the screen of a phone vs tablet vs computer or is that something the websites determine? Very helpful video btw

[@heavydirtysoul1491]

the example with a restaurant and a waiter is brilliant

[@rajeshbhosale2008]

Excellent simplified explanation of API! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@kannankichu1997]

Beautiful explaination! Thank you!

[@westhillshighschoolikorodu4381]

This video has been able to give me the basic knowledge on API. Thanks a lot

[@DavidWatt-b9c]

this video is fantastic! It finally makes sense!

[@mayajones9961]

This video is so amazing. Straight and to the point.

[@marwahmaher8574]

thanks for sharing this video, it was so useful

[@danieleliyahu3014]

Great, simple and short. Thank you.

[@BrendaJTrulear]

Thank you for simplifying APIs.

[@guliyarkhassanova7475]

Very clear and simple explanation of an api, thank you so much!

[@Spaniards56]

Thank you for all the information which for me is COMPLETELY NEW! Actually, the analogy of the waiter is great!

[@kristina-alexandra]

Wow thank you. Wonderfully explained, easy to understand 🙏

[@Elocinization]

This was so helpful and clear - just what I needed! Thank you!!

[@bantrothuvenkataramana6659]

its simple nice video upload more

[@kanupriyas3253]

This is brilliant, truly simple!!!! Please add some videos on API

[@anmjubaer]

Great explanation. Liked and subscribed.

[@anonofDeath]

Thank you so much! The google definition confused me. This video was great and I really appreciate this level of effort. Thank you!!!!

[@belowasmelashgebremariam]

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[@olajidedanielsanyaolu8030]

this is really easy to understand

[@trobert132]

the continue with google and fb part is more a topic of authentication and authorization, but other than that, pretty well explained

[@fleand86]

Thank you so much. This is was I needed, a quick and clear explanation!

[@1956paterson]

This was very helpful with good clear examples.

[@allannjuguna598]

No one would have said it any better, thanks

[@bitelogger]

The best explanation of this topic ever

[@anthonytcool350]

very good explanation and make a newbie to understand it easily!

[@ernikitamalviya]

Wow!!! Thanks for this great explanation!

[@liav1609]

So i'm trying to understand it correctly - an API is some kind of an app containing a code, that does something (specifically) for you when you ask it? Like on Windows, pressing my Music app and choosing a song, so when i choose the song - it triggers the API that goes to Windows files / storage and asking it to play my song by turning the sound on?

[@HealthInspectorz]

Yeah pretty much. In software design terms, say you are trying to extract data from your spotify playlist. You can program your code/script in a way that it can extract all of your music to some file. You don't need to create a program from scratch to obtain the data from your playlist. Say that Spotify does offer an API that allows fetching data from a playlist. You can extract the data with an API key by embedding the API key to the URL provided by spotify. Once you are able to extract the obtain the URL, some other program (fron the API) will generate a JSON file for you. In other words, API works in favor of you especially for data scraping and data mining.

[@liav1609]

@@HealthInspectorz thanks!

[@AleksandarBosnjak]

Greate content , extremely precise and reasonable explanation! Your channel is GREAT and VERY User Friendly . You definitely deserve like, comment, sub and notification bell. Please keep it up !

[@asazizmn]

API actually stands for "Application Programming Interface".

[@sabelomuzimsimango8467]

Thank you. Well explained

[@yz7036]

Great explanations on how APIs are used but still what exactly is API? Is it a software module in apps or devices?

[@davidhughes8787]

Excellent explanation of a little understood subject.

[@bolbolinfosec1376]

thanks bro for this great explanation ❤👏👏👏

[@junejuly532]

Ok. So now i am an API for my department.

[@bhaskerkanna3576]

Really good The points are explained well with examples

[@browneye1968]

Thank you very much for these important infos and explanation. Great efforts. Great channel. I subbed

[@stephanieswan3149]

As a seasoned developer, some of the new terms were unfamiliar to me. This video was extremely helpful with great graphics and realistic examples. Thank you so much!

[@Team4640]

Hey any tips/hints to land a Developer job? I would love to here your background if you can 🙏🏻🙏🏻 thanks

[@vonjohnson5504]

This is a nice video. This helped solidify my understanding of API.

[@alwayssomewhere716]

very well explained, this will also my mother understand

[@chinmayakumarbehera4754]

Graphics game on point, explanation, even better. SUBBED!!!

[@talktome2000]

Thanks very much

[@brookesam9537]

Super helpful video and analogy. Thank you

[@raychelleinjete4024]

Thank you for simplifying this subject..

[@vivekjoshi937]

Thanks, this is nice explanation!

[@OddClarity]

Nice video, really well thought out and presented. *thumbs up* indeed

[@oldershikari828]

Great video! Thank you!

[@KaderTaek]

Perfect, I watched it till the end simple and clear

[@onerishigood]

Simply and efficiently explained Great