What is an API?

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The textbook definition goes something like this:
“An application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. An API expresses a software component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types. An API defines functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations, which allows definitions and implementations to vary without compromising each other. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks.
APIs often come in the form of a library that includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, and variables. In other cases, notably SOAP and REST services, an API is simply a specification of remote calls exposed to the API consumers.
An API specification can take many forms, including an International Standard, such as POSIX, vendor documentation, such as the Microsoft Windows API, or the libraries of a programming language, e.g., the Standard Template Library in C++ or the Java APIs.
An API differs from an application binary interface (ABI) in that an API is source code-based while an ABI is a binary interface. For instance POSIX is an API, while the Linux Standard Base provides an ABI”.
To speak plainly, an API is the messenger that runs and delivers your request to the provider you’re requesting it from, and then delivers the response back to you.
To give you a familiar example, think of an API as a waiter in a restaurant.
Imagine you’re sitting at the table with a menu of choices to order from, and the kitchen is the provider who will fulfill your order.
What’s missing is the critical link to communicate your order to the kitchen and deliver your food back to your table.
That’s where the waiter (or API) comes in. ”AHEM”
The waiter takes your order, delivers it to the kitchen, and then delivers the food (or response) back to you. (Hopefully without letting your order crash if designed correctly)
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, let’s apply this to a real API example. In keeping with our theme, let’s book a flight to a culinary capital - Paris.
You’re probably familiar with the process of searching for airline flights online. Just like at a restaurant, you have a menu of options to choose from ( a dropdown menu in this case). You choose a departure city and date, a return city and date, cabin class, and other variables (like meal or seating, baggage or pet requests)
In order to book your flight, you interact with the airline’s website to access the airline’s database to see if any seats are available on those dates, and what the cost might be based on certain variables.
But, what if you are not using the airline’s website, which has direct access to the information? What if you are using online travel service that aggregates information from many different airlines? Just like a human interacts with the airline’s website to get that information, an application interacts with the airline’s API.
The API is the interface that, like your helpful waiter, runs and and delivers the data from that online travel service to the airline’s systems over the Internet.
It also then takes the airline’s response to your request and delivers right back to the online travel service .
And through each step of the process it facilitates that interaction between the travel service and the airline’s systems - from seat selection to payment and booking.
So now you can see that it’s APIs that make it possible for us all to use travel sites. They interface with with airlines’ APIs to gather information in order to present options back to us
The same goes for all interactions between applications, data and devices - they all have API’s that allow computers to operate them, and that's what ultimately creates connectivity.
API’s provide a standard way of accessing any application, data or device whether it is shopping from your phone, or accessing cloud applications at work.
So, whenever you think of an API, just think of it as your waiter running back and forth between applications, databases and devices to deliver data and create the connectivity that puts the world at our fingertips. And whenever you think of creating an API, think MuleSoft.

[@cinotrades]

I just realised i was an API and quit my job at the restaurant

[@syyamnoor9792]

ahahahaahahah

[@ritudadhwal8275]

heheheh

[@giangvu6304]

now they gotta "take on" new api haha

[@RCPY]

HAUHAHAHAHAHHAH

[@valeeshahamiora306]

Lols, Howz th@ paying out for You?

[@erikbudrow1255]

0:56 Exactly what happened to my brain when I tried looking up the definition of API, and exactly why I watched this video. It's crystal clear now. Thank you Mulesoft. You'll forever be in my heart.

[@SimonLiftsLife]

agreed!

[@joaovictormoreirapinto3943]

I'll Make your words my own.

[@vv9022]

Lol, yes, same

[@kamal-hassan]

Same buddy,

[@erikbudrow1255]

I love how they just nonchalantly start reading the definition as if that's how they're going to explain it, then start speeding it up without warning then they're like "pysch! just messin. let me break it down for ya..." 😆

[@monochromehime4152]

Interviewer: What is an API? Me: Well, its nothing but a waiter in a restaurant.

[@some90sKid]

... Interviewer: I see you're a man of culture as well. 10 points for Gryffindor! Me(You): ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@sudiptaa6159]

Interviewer: You are hired!

[@danielrdrigues]

Haha, Jokes apart, this video offers the best analogy.

[@user-sj3fp2xq2m]

xD

[@t.gowthamarasu1258]

@@some90sKid 🙌😁👍

[@kualamercedes1963]

It's the people that are able to explain complex processes in a simple and elegant manner that truly understands. Everyone else outside of this simplicity, is sending us all into a dizzy technical spin. Thank you very much, absolutely stunning video!

[@tkc403]

As einstein once said :)

[@alelumelelu7766]

all takes is 3 min to explain this concept and some take 30 min 1 hr and you still don't get it . .. thanks

[@mcoyid]

Alelu Melelu because even those guys don't know. Still they keep on throwing articles on students

[@viewsweeksagotheKingK]

Thanks a lot, please share to all music lovers kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXe8qKaNic6Igrs

[@rosebliki4952]

Lol it's incorrect though

[@helmifadhiel]

Ahlelu Melelu, ganti kek ga ada orang lain apa.

[@satyamkumar2820]

Very well said.

[@Centauri27]

Excellent use of the waiter analogy for describing what an API does!

[@remishernandez1280]

Hialeah come to understand what an API is I'm so grateful for the explanation now I understand where I was going wrong and my

[@stephanieraymos4675]

This 3 minute video taught me more than 4 weeks of school. Keep it up. :)

[@naveenperpaga5101]

This is Legitimately the BEST and CLEANEST Definitions of API. Thanks a Lot to Whoever came with this Example. :)

[@chrystallynch5866]

Agreed!

[@chinaskarina698]

Exactly my thoughts

[@dhruvsingh34]

Can't agree more. 🙋

[@victornaut]

Perfect explanation + super clear animation. Neat as hell, neat as MuleSoft. (why the hell am I doing this...)

[@TheEgyGeek]

Nice one brodie parmelee

[@simarjitkaur2864]

lol... totally agree....

[@SpaceMusicOutofWorld]

Maybe they paid you..? :D

[@alanpulido2362]

lolll

[@vaibhavkaushik3677]

hahahhahhaha

[@trevorscott3275]

Informative, and clear. 10/10 IGN

[@ihsankamil6279]

Scotty not enough water, 6/10

[@CroShow68]

Scotty complicate mechanics 4/10

[@FriedMonkey362]

InGameName?

[@user-sl6ou3qb9l]

Too realistic and scary 2/10 IGN

[@karthickshanmugavelu7911]

Most Precise.Whenever I see API I'll surely think abt Mulesoft🤣

[@ranjan_v]

1:01, i thought i increased the speed by mistake

[@jesse578]

YOU DUM DUCKER

[@mudalad1215]

Jesse wooosh

[@jesse578]

@@mudalad1215 HOW IS IT THAT I DIDN'T GET THE JOKE!! YOU THINK YOU ARE SO SMART BY DOIN THAT OLD ASS /R SWOOSH SHIT YOU LITTLE SHIT

[@fakename7423]

Lol this reply section is great 👏

[@mohsinnisar8567]

that is the more interesting part of the video though

[@juliebrandsma9988]

After watching so many videos dealing with API's and programming.. this one by far takes the cake. Excellent video MuleSoft. You clearly explained a somewhat complex subject in under 4 minutes. You guys definitely know what you're doing. Liked and subscribed.

[@pankajkarmakar7782]

This is a award winning video for simplified API concept.Great job .

[@indianarchangel]

This was by far the easiest and most intuitive explanation I've seen. 10 on 10. Now I can go and look at the technical details with a much better understanding.

[@Valkinsenn]

Okay. 1:04 is, without a doubt, _the_ single, most coherent answer to the question of what an API is that I've ever seen. Thank you so much, MuleSoft.

[@mrssslimer]

this is the most elegant add u can see.

[@clgntavuk9194]

M Viktor

[@clgntavuk9194]

M Viktor .A2×wA

[@bethanytalbot2445]

idk, have you ever seen the Lucid Chart adverts??

[@ranjan_v]

@@bethanytalbot2445 : Lucidchart is the best, i'd never skip a lucid chart ad

[@younisibrahim4562]

I've studied it about 5 years ago, I just understood it, perfect .. 10\10, thanks a lot

[@fieldmarshal7298]

what the hell were you doing for 5 years

[@marekstefanecofficial]

This is by far the best video source for an API! Not only does it provide you with clear explanation but the quality of the video itself is truly remarkable. Great job!

[@kaaba92]

Thank you so much for explaining this in a way that I can understand 😊 I recently enrolled in online school (I trying to learn a new skill-set). I wish they explained what they're teaching in the same "easy-to-understand" way this video did. Awesome video. 😄👍

[@nitipradhan437]

Easily explained. Never thought I would get to know in such less time the basic of API.

[@jw11432]

I typically hate having to search for explanations of things like this, dreading the poor explanation I'm sure to receive, but this was concise and clear, even with an analogy that perfectly framed the concept. Thank you so much!

[@wangtony5920]

man, that is because they want to make people look like they are busy and professional... think abut academic paper and text book you read in university....

[@manojkumarvavilapalli3192]

Hence proved, learning in youtube is far better than learning in graduation 😂😂😂

[@Explomaya]

Definitely 😂👌

[@lsbristy]

So true 😂

[@shujabukhari8041]

for real xD

[@sivasankar5036]

100% legit

[@simonhollad5511]

But you won't get a degree watching youtube

[@brandonharvey2507]

We need a platform that has Videos that get straight to the point under 5 mins just like this. This was perfect!

[@SANG0I]

Perfect video for non-technical people such as myself haha. Clean, simple, and descriptive! Well done

[@reylim6129]

This was simple, quick, and straight to the point. Thank you!

[@kofipearls]

I'm a beginner in programing rn but this simple explanation gives me so much insight into what web development actually entails

[@sevenaries]

Short, simple, and to the point. Excellent video.

[@chadhaupt]

I absolutely love this explanation. Simple, to the point and awesome examples used. Thank you.

[@falcon3431]

I knew this was the explanation I was looking for simply by the thumbnail. Simple and informative. Good use of simile and metaphor. 10/10 IGN.

[@montazmeahii6029]

What is the "IGN" part of your comment? Are you talking about the gaming review website IGN?

[@udbhavshrivastava]

It has little something in it for everyone

[@senamacit31]

The simplest and clearest video about API ever! Thanks

[@marjorielaure1996]

That is the most precise explanation for API. Good job!!

[@passiveincomedude2164]

That is what I call a quality video! Very well done! Thank you!

[@sitiafifahbintiazmi9201]

Dah siap dddd$ foonadea#'=stbd$\:]\w\d"('+@iitc=@ddeqa I

[@thinkj2]

perfect. exactly what I wanted. I wish there was a video like this for every tech term/word/concept.

[@sevay]

me too😭

[@karolinas9219]

I wish there was such a video for everything.

[@t.gowthamarasu1258]

Simply awesome, explained in the easiest way, I never forget mulesoft

[@alinaser8015]

That's by far the BEST explanation/definition I've ever seen about anything

[@hishoo1000]

Perfect Animation & Basic Explanation...Well Done ..Subscribed :D

[@mib8254]

Hisham Zahran me to

[@aravind.a]

Simply awesome.. Good Explanation!!!

[@aprildarizpintal36]

This is the first time I understand tech-related vids at first watch...great explanation. Kudos

[@excalibur4856]

Short and easy to understand, all concept explanation videos should be like this!

[@meganpaul7171]

The graphics were amazingly done. Great explanation too!

[@b.f.skinner4383]

Sometimes it's needed to sacrifice clarity for brevity when being introduced to a new topic. I thought this was a very intuitive overview of API's, thank you.

[@snufy777777]

This is the clearest and simplest explanation of an API! I just couldn’t work my mind of what it was before I ran into your video. Already subscribed 😊

[@satyamkumar2820]

One of the best explanation in 3 minutes. Great.

[@ilmakeyouone]

The best explanation: "What is API?"!

[@rishirajyadav3059]

I can't think of a more simple explanation about API than this.

[@biebekchamlagain]

Hands down the most crystal clear analagy to explain a concept I have encountered so far.

[@Furkanh66]

yeahh right, its even made 6 years ago!!

[@BigBadBong]

I literally needed that! Thank you!

[@luyimaalex1894]

Perfect illustration of what an API is.

[@nickgomez7702]

Thank you for this video, it really helped me understand API's more clearly

[@venusfactorweightlossdieti2874]

Thank You. That was the absolute BEST explaination I have ever gotten for what an API is. So from now on I'll just think API = Waiter and I'll always remember exactly what an API is.

[@prettyprinted]

Great explanation!

[@ezengondolkozom3700]

sarcasm is strong in this one

[@tharukabalasooriya3269]

i agree

[@tukangmaen3580]

i agree with that

[@metal_marcus]

That's the best explanation of API out there, just sent it to a new colleague who had no clue what an API is.

[@sagargupta2730]

The best explanation about API one could find over the Internet

[@TheSlinner]

Excellent video and explanation - well done!!!

[@zerosugar2126]

One of the best and simple explanation of API, I've ever seen. Thank you for the time and effort you put in to make this video.

[@chrystallynch5866]

Agreed!

[@ronkeosho6441]

This is simple and straightforward. Bang ON. Thank you!

[@irfannayeem5735]

Impressed with the way presented with an example. Thanks!

[@stannisbarracuda5693]

best explanation , first time i understand it.

[@Latyfah92]

totally loved how you explains it!

[@Latyfah92]

Oh and Subscribed for sure!!!

[@paulogrady4850]

Fantastically simple analogy and explanation, thank you

[@MrVguhan]

Great Appreciation to the Presenter for make this video simple and easily understating way.

[@PrinceGhimire]

perfect and straight forward

[@FilippoTeodoro]

What program did you use to do this amazing video?

[@N3L6V9]

simply great... simplicity on the other side of the complexity thanks :)

[@dante62]

Perfect description, amazing (and humorous) animations, thanks for this.

[@NikkiMcMistie]

Well, the "text book" explanation explains it quite good!

[@abhishekrajput9332]

Very nice explanation

[@affansyed5009]

1000s of slides from my university did got me confusions not the results... This one video is a game changer! THANKS A LOT!

[@richardrose8297]

Excellent explanation for a novice: short, clear, and entertaining!

[@KhannaSparsh]

Damn good video Beautifully explained.

[@stephenreid7043]

How much do you tip an API?

[@SoloWanderer25]

This video is better than what my instructor tried to teach me in a 60mins long lecture, Thanks @ MuleSoft Videos🥰

[@theijoijo]

damn, that french meme music got me

[@yuzat]

for real lmao

[@yashv2000]

Someone pls tell me how the animation for this video is made. I mean what is the underlying technology. I am a noob so dont really have much idea but its inte-resting

[@frvray2]

Yash Verma these are explainer videos and they’re mostly made with After Effects and other video editing softwares that support motion graphics.

[@9wrongnumber]

Amazing guys just amazing this video and its production cost oh my god great ,, but why soo few subs :( .....great video keep up good work i will bring few more subscribers :D

[@stannisbarracuda5693]

subbed just for this explantion , super clear , simple and easy , ive been coding for 1 year now ad its the first time i understand it

[@rajbathusa1]

A great video - simple and crisp. It is way better than ready lengthy documents.

[@roxsang9547]

now I understand it, thanks a lot

[@HardCoded31103]

The main difficulties of existing API multilevel systems are: 1.The difficulty of porting a program code from one API interface to another. 2.Loss of functionality upon jumping from lower layer to higher.

[@cdanko5]

Love the simplicity - thank you

[@happinessbassey6145]

Thanks for the brilliant illustration, using real-life example to explain in detail what API is. This was indeed helpful.

[@saksham01]

what software do you use??? ITS AMAZING

[@ghemmitberrabahhassiba4226]

,O

[@nikims_]

flash

[@rjlacanlaled9419]

Saksham Goyal JavaScript

[@senk0than]

Adobe After Effects with Motion Graphics

[@babulalbisnoi8328]

+senthil kumar utf

[@abyss2200]

0:56 I was like Molly Hartley's ghost took over this device

[@prasannapuliyadijeevanram2132]

This way of transmitting the knowledge is greatly needed.

[@sorosw2980]

Thank you Mulesoft, this is a very informative video and super helpful! Highly recommend for everyone who just started to learn CS.

[@stewart6395]

Next topic should be *How can I make money with api*.

[@user-mb1kj8gt8b]

Dmitry hi stewie

[@paulkuit]

That is not the right definition. The API is just the SPECIFICATION of a set of public function an application exposes to its dependencies. In the restaurant analogy the API would be the menu, not the waiter.

[@BraBo]

Finally, someone that made sense!

[@Esteban-ss6wq]

Paul Kuit It's also the waiter

[@MariaDumitrescu-fo7pt]

Great job! You've done an awesome explanation regarding API!

[@sushantpanda5064]

Concept explained in such a simple way. Thanks!!!

[@TimHansenux]

Whoever the 6 people are that don't like this video are bozos.

[@harrisonogbebor8006]

+Tim Hansen Dont mind them, they dont ,now anything.

[@LoneWolf-hq5lb]

Well ... They may be the people who posted about API in their channel which may run for an hour and still fails to make us understand.. lol

[@SAIFFR69]

An API, short for Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. It serves as an interface or intermediary between two software systems, enabling them to exchange data and perform various tasks seamlessly. Let's dive into a detailed explanation of APIs: Purpose and Function: APIs are designed to simplify the development process by providing a standard set of rules and functionalities that can be used by developers to integrate their applications with other software systems. They define how different software components should interact, request services, and exchange data. Types of APIs: There are various types of APIs based on the level of abstraction they provide and the purpose they serve. Here are some common types: Web APIs: These are APIs that are accessed over the internet using standard web protocols such as HTTP. Web APIs allow different applications to interact with web-based services or retrieve data from remote servers. They are widely used for building web applications, mobile apps, and integrating with third-party services. Library or Framework APIs: Libraries or frameworks often provide APIs that expose pre-built functions, classes, and methods to facilitate software development. These APIs offer a specific set of functionalities for developers to use within their applications, saving them time and effort in implementing common tasks. Operating System APIs: Operating systems provide APIs that allow developers to interact with various components of the operating system, such as file systems, network interfaces, hardware devices, and more. These APIs enable application developers to leverage the underlying capabilities of the operating system. Hardware APIs: Hardware APIs, such as those provided by graphics cards or sensors, enable software applications to access and utilize specific hardware functionalities. These APIs often come with specialized libraries or drivers that abstract the low-level complexities of interacting with the hardware. API Components: Request: An API request is made by a client application to initiate a specific action or retrieve data from a server or service. The request typically includes the desired operation, data parameters, and authentication details, if required. Endpoint: An endpoint is a specific URL or URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that the client application interacts with to access a particular API resource. Endpoints represent different functionalities or resources provided by the API, such as retrieving user information or submitting an order. Methods: APIs often define different HTTP methods or verbs to indicate the type of operation being performed on a resource. The most common methods are GET (retrieve), POST (create), PUT/PATCH (update), and DELETE (remove). These methods determine the action to be taken on the specified endpoint. Response: Once the API server processes the client's request, it sends back a response containing the requested data or the result of the operation. The response typically includes an HTTP status code, headers, and a body containing the actual data or a message. Authentication: APIs may require authentication to ensure authorized access to protected resources. This can be achieved through various authentication mechanisms, such as API keys, tokens, or OAuth, where the client provides valid credentials along with the API request. Data Formats and Protocols: APIs utilize specific data formats and protocols to structure and transmit data between applications. The most common ones include: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): JSON is a lightweight and widely-used data format that provides a human-readable and easy-to-parse structure for representing data objects. It is often used as the standard format for data exchange in modern APIs. XML (eXtensible Markup Language): XML is another data format that uses tags to define structured data. It was widely used in the past but has been largely replaced by JSON in modern APIs. REST (Representational State Transfer): REST is an architectural style that provides guidelines for building scalable and loosely-coupled web services. It utilizes standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations on resources identified by URLs. RESTful APIs often use JSON for data exchange. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): SOAP is a protocol that defines a standardized format for exchanging structured information using XML. It is often used in enterprise-level systems and supports more complex operations and messaging patterns than REST. API Documentation: Good API documentation is crucial for developers to understand how to use an API effectively. API documentation provides detailed information about available endpoints, request and response formats, authentication methods, error handling, rate limiting, and any additional requirements or guidelines. Examples of API Usage: APIs are used extensively in various domains. Here are a few examples: Social Media APIs: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide APIs that allow developers to integrate social features into their applications, such as posting updates, fetching user profiles, or sharing content. Payment Gateway APIs: Payment service providers like PayPal, Stripe, and Braintree offer APIs to enable businesses to process online payments securely. Mapping and Geolocation APIs: Services like Google Maps and Mapbox provide APIs that allow developers to embed maps, geocoding, and routing capabilities into their applications. Weather APIs: Weather services such as OpenWeatherMap or AccuWeather offer APIs that provide real-time and forecast weather data to developers for integration into their applications. E-commerce APIs: Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon provide APIs to manage product catalogs, process orders, and handle inventory management. In summary, APIs act as intermediaries, enabling different software systems to interact and exchange data seamlessly. They provide a standardized set of rules, protocols, and endpoints for developers to integrate their applications with external services, libraries, frameworks, or hardware. APIs have become a fundamental building block of modern software development, enabling the creation of complex and interconnected applications.

[@percydsouza139]

Loved it. This simplicity of the explanation. Thank you

[@christopherchapman3001]

This video is amazing - this helped me understand the concept of APIs very quickly!

[@mverma7845]

what if the server at the restaurant is a computer programmer.

[@dkazmer2]

In web development there's no such thing as an "API". It's why no one knows what it really is and all are afraid to ask. Someone just invented a term full of jargon that sounded good, and we all went _Oh yeah, sure API, of course, duh..._ *The term "Application Programming Interface" is meaningless.* The way it really works is this: The client makes a request to the server, then the server fulfills that request to the client. So there's no "waiter" involved. I simply yell into the kitchen and the kitchen provides me with food. That's it!

[@kholofelomatlala8685]

Does the kitchen come to you?

[@dkazmer2]

@@kholofelomatlala8685 No. I'm already standing at the Kitchen entrance. I yell to a cook, who hands me the food

[@hannahlouise7895]

Very impressed by how simple yet well explained and presented this video was, my interest was kept the entire video on a subject I’d fall asleep on if reading

[@DeepredNL]

Just what I needed to understand what an API is. Thank you so much!

[@SuperNurik89]

This means I am an API of my boyfriend:(.

[@eugenerider0701]

voice's hot.

[@crocodilecode8120]

Omg! This video is crystal clear about what an API is. Thank you so much!