API Development Overview



API Development involves designing and implementing sets of rules and protocols that enable different software systems to communicate and share data with each other. APIs specify how software components should interact, defining methods, data formats, conventions, and security protocols.

Key Components



1

Endpoints and Methods:

  • Endpoints: URLs that expose the API to clients, defining access points for requesting resources or services
  • Methods: HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) that specify actions that can be performed on resources.
2

Data Formats

  • JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): Lightweight data-interchange format widely used for transmitting data between a server and a client.
  • XML (Extensible Markup Language): Older format suitable for structured data exchange, though less common in modern APIs.
3

Authentication and Authorization:

  • Authentication: Verifies the identity of API clients (e.g., using API keys, OAuth tokens, or JWT tokens).
  • Authorization: Determines whether an authenticated client has permission to access specific resources or perform certain actions.