What is an API?

APIs are like waiters in a restaurant. They take your order (request) to the kitchen (server) and bring back your food (data). Simple, right?

Illustration of a waiter taking an order from a customer at a restaurant, with arrows showing the process

APIs Made Simple

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that lets different software programs talk to each other. It's like:

  • A waiter taking your order to the kitchen
  • A universal remote controlling your TV
  • A power outlet giving electricity when you plug in

10 Real-World API Examples

1

Weather App

Your weather app uses an API to get data from weather stations without you needing to visit the station.

Smartphone showing weather forecast with sunny and cloudy icons
2

Payment Processing

When you pay online, APIs connect the store to your bank to process the payment securely.

Person typing on laptop with credit card next to it and payment confirmation popup
3

Login with Google/Facebook

When you use "Login with Google" on other websites, APIs verify your identity without sharing your password.

Smartphone showing login options with Google, Facebook and Apple icons
4

Travel Booking

Travel sites use APIs to show flight options from hundreds of airlines without having direct access to their systems.

Laptop screen showing flight search results with multiple airline options
5

Social Media Sharing

That "Share on Facebook" button? It uses Facebook's API to post on your behalf when you allow it.

Hand clicking share button on a website with social media icons appearing in bubble
6

Google Maps

Websites can show maps using Google Maps API without developing their own mapping system.

Website embedding Google Maps showing location pin and navigation route
7

Voice Assistants

When you ask Alexa to play a song, APIs connect to music services to find and play what you want.

Person speaking to smart speaker with music notes floating above it
8

Smart Home Devices

Your phone talks to smart lights via APIs to turn them on/off without knowing exactly how each bulb works.

Smartphone controlling smart lights that are changing colors in a living room
9

Ride Sharing Apps

Uber connects riders to drivers through APIs that find nearby cars and handle payments.

Phone screen showing ride share app with car icon approaching pickup location on map
10

Product Listings

Online stores use APIs to show the latest prices from suppliers without manually updating them.

E-commerce website showing product listings with price tags and images

How APIs Work in 3 Simple Steps

1

Make a Request

You click something (like "Get Weather") which sends a request to an API.

2

API Processes It

The API understands what you want and gets the right information from the server.

3

Get a Response

The API sends back the information in an easy-to-use format.

Try It Yourself!

Ever searched for something on multiple websites at once? That's APIs working behind the scenes!