API Trends

Web 2.0 introduced a whole new level of functionality to the average internet user and developer. Applications like Google Maps, Flickr, PhotoBucket, del.icio.us, and Facebook have started trends that many say are irreversible in web behavior. The internet has turned into more than a scientific, fact-finding tool - it has become an ever-changing monster that has infiltrated our daily lifestyles and routines. Many would assume that with this growth, a wide array of API's would be spread across the market and used evenly... but it seems to be more of a first come, first serve basis.

Google is dominating the API usage index. Over 1000 mashups use a Google API (webmaster tools, analytics, Google Maps). 43% of all API mashups are involved with mapping locations, with the second most used API is used for photography purposes. Google maps alone is used in 50% of mashups that are commonly used today - that is no small feat.

It seems that many of the API's that have been released to the market are actually created for entertainment purposes rather than business related activities. This may be one of the driving forces that is shaping the internet as we know it today. It is turning into a toy and the API's are helping this transformation move right along. The mashups that are created by the use of API's, however, will eventually allow for extremely fast and convenient applications and utilities that are solely web based... I hope.