Overview

API (Application Programming Interface)

A well-defined set of rules and protocols that enables software applications to communicate and interact with each other seamlessly. APIs establish the methods and data formats applications can use to request and exchange information, fostering interoperability and integration.

Endpoint

In the context of an API, an endpoint represents a specific URL or URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that acts as a unique location or resource within the API. Endpoints serve as entry points for accessing distinct functionalities or retrieving specific data from the API.

Request

A formal action initiated by a client application to access or manipulate data within an API. Requests include essential parameters, headers, and authentication details required by the API to process the request accurately.

Response

The result is provided by an API after processing a client's request. This response encompasses the requested information or the outcome of the action, often accompanied by status codes to indicate success or failure, along with any relevant data or error messages.

Authentication

The essential process of verifying the identity of a user or application before granting access to protected resources within an API. Authentication mechanisms ensure that only authorized entities can interact with the API, promoting security and safeguarding sensitive data.

Authorization

The crucial process of determining and granting specific privileges or permissions to authenticated users or applications. It governs which actions or resources a user or application is allowed to access based on their assigned roles or permissions.

API Key

A unique identifier or token issued by API providers to developers, enabling access to specific APIs. API keys serve as credentials for authentication and authorization, ensuring secure access to protected resources while tracking usage.

Rate Limiting

A vital technique employed by APIs to control the number of requests a client application can make within a defined timeframe. Rate limits prevent abuse, maintain API performance, and promote fair usage by enforcing maximum request limits per user or application.

Documentation

A comprehensive collection of guides, reference materials, examples, and explanations that illuminate how to use an API effectively. API documentation provides clear instructions on authentication, available endpoints, request/response formats, and other essential details, facilitating seamless integration.

SDK (Software Development Kit)

A powerful toolkit furnished by an API provider to streamline and expedite the development process. SDKs often include code samples, libraries, and utilities that assist developers in seamlessly integrating the API into their applications.

Client Library

A user-friendly collection of code and functions that encapsulates an API's lower-level implementation details. Client libraries enable developers to interact with the API using higher-level programming constructs, enhancing ease of use and reducing development complexity.

Developer Portal

A dedicated website or platform tailored to supporting developers in their interactions with an API. Developer portals furnish comprehensive documentation, code samples, SDKs, forums, and other resources to facilitate API understanding and integration.

Sandbox Environment

A secure testing and development environment is provided by API providers for developers to experiment and test their applications without affecting the production environment. Sandbox environments allow developers to simulate API interactions, ensuring the accuracy of their code before deploying to production.

APIs related definitions

Subscription

A formal agreement or contract between a developer and an API provider, granting access to specific API products or services. Subscriptions outline usage plans, rate limits, and any associated costs, ensuring seamless access to the API's functionalities.

Support

A range of resources, channels, and services are offered by the API provider to assist developers in resolving issues or seeking help during API integration and usage. Support may encompass documentation, FAQs, community forums, dedicated support teams, and contact channels.

Gateway

A middleware component that acts as an intermediary between client applications and multiple APIs. Gateways provide a unified interface for accessing multiple APIs, handling authentication, request routing, rate limiting, and other cross-cutting concerns.

Analytics

The process of collecting, measuring, analyzing, and reporting data related to API usage and performance. API analytics provide valuable insights into key metrics such as usage patterns, response times, error rates, and other relevant statistics, enabling optimization of applications and services.

Versioning

A practice of assigning version numbers or identifiers to APIs to manage changes and ensure backward compatibility. Versioning empowers developers to utilize a specific API version while embracing updates without breaking existing integrations.

Forum

An interactive online platform or community space where developers can engage in discussions, seek assistance, and share knowledge concerning APIs and developer portal usage. Forums foster collaboration, peer support, and knowledge exchange.

OpenAPI/Swagger

A comprehensive specification and toolset designed to facilitate the creation, documentation, and consumption of RESTful APIs. OpenAPI (formerly Swagger) provides a standardized method for describing APIs, endpoints, request/response formats, parameters, and other crucial details, simplifying developer interactions.

OAuth

An industry-standard protocol for secure authentication and authorization between an API, a client application, and a user. OAuth enables users to grant limited access to their protected resources on an API to third-party applications without revealing their credentials.

Pagination

A technique that partitions a large set of data into manageable sections or pages within API responses. Pagination ensures efficient data retrieval by providing links or metadata for navigating to subsequent or previous pages of information.

Web API

An API specifically designed for consumption by web applications. Web APIs utilize HTTP protocols and commonly return data in formats such as JSON or XML, facilitating accessibility across various web programming languages.

REST (Representational State Transfer)

A widely adopted architectural style for designing networked applications and APIs. RESTful APIs leverage HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and adhere to principles like statelessness, resource-oriented design, and uniform interfaces.

Web Services

Software systems that expose functionality over the internet using standardized protocols such as SOAP or REST. Web services enable different applications to communicate and share data seamlessly.

Rate Limit Exceeded

An error message is issued by an API when a client application surpasses the allowed rate limit for making requests within a specific time period. This error indicates that the application must adjust its request frequency to comply with the API's usage policies.