What Is an API? A Beginner-Friendly Guide to How Apps Communicate
Ever wondered how apps communicate with each other? Or what powers features like “Log in with Google” or real-time weather updates? The secret is something called an API (Application Programming Interface). In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn what an API is, how it works, and where you see it every day, even if you’re not a developer. What Is the Meaning of API in Tech? In the world of technology, API stands for Application Programming Interface . It's a standardized way for apps to share data and functionality securely. Whether you're building a mobile app, website, or SaaS product, APIs are essential for connecting services and scaling features fast. API Example: API as a Ride-Hailing App Dispatcher Let’s break this down using something you use every day. A ride-hailing app like Uber or Bolt. Imagine you need a ride home after work: 1. You open the app and request a ride → This is you, the user interface. 2. The app sends your request to the API → The API acts l...