API’s are more becoming more widely used by many people and companies today. The Internet is a place where users can get information fast….and API’s are helping to make information retrieval even faster. Internet giants like Google, Amazon, and Netflix are releasing their API’s to the public so people can see how their applications can communicate with other applications over the internet remotely.
Take for instance Google Maps. Chicagocrime.org lists crimes that have occurred in the city of Chicago. Using Google Maps chicagocrime.org can overlay Google Maps to show where crimes have occurred in the city of Chicago. This can be a very useful tool for someone who wants to visit Chicago and be aware of the areas that typically see more crime. Without API’s this would not be possible because it is the API that allows the overlay of Google Maps for chicagocrime.org.
How API's work
The Internet is not the only place that makes use of API’s. Windows makes extensive use of API’s. Whenever you listen to your favorite MP3 on your computer you are making use of an API through your soundcard. Think of an API as a toolbox of many functions that can be called upon at anytime.
Windows Uses API's
nice post Jeremy, the How APIs Work section was very helpful
ReplyDeleteI agree with Adam! Thank you Jeremy, I just talked about APIs in my blog and how I had no clue how they worked let alone create a site that uses 5 of them. I breifly skimmed through the article above but I'll be sure to read it because I need all the help I can get! Thank you again!
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