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GitHub - public-apis/public-apis: A collective list of free APIs

API Design Roadmap

APIs

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, allow different software systems to communicate with each other. They act as intermediaries that define the methods and data formats used for this communication. Think of an API as a contract between two systems, where one system provides specific functionality, and the other uses that functionality through the API.

Here’s how APIs work in simple terms:

1. Request

When a client (like a mobile app, web browser, or another server) needs some data or wants to perform an action, it sends a request to an API. This request typically consists of:

• Endpoint: The specific URL where the API can be accessed (e.g., https://api.example.com/users).
• Method: The type of action the request is asking for. The most common methods are:
  • GET: Retrieve data.
  • POST: Send data to create something.
  • PUT/PATCH: Update existing data.
  • DELETE: Remove data.
• Headers: Extra information, such as authentication tokens or data format specifications (e.g., application/json).
• Body (optional): Data sent with the request, usually in JSON format, for actions like creating or updating data.

2. Processing

Once the API receives the request, the server processes it. The server might:

• Query a database for requested information.
• Perform calculations.
• Interact with other services or APIs.
• Check for authentication or permissions (ensuring the client is authorized).