Grover AliceIf we explain the essence of API in simple words, it is an “intermediary” between the software on the user’s device and an external platform (server, database, etc.). That is why the word “interface” appears in the name of the technology. API is a standard structure of requests and responses for information exchange.
Let’s say a currency converter on a website or in a user’s smartphone uses an API to retrieve up-to-date exchange ratios. A mapping application receives information about traffic jams in this way, an online store pulls data from 1C. The technology has many applications.
Not so long ago, most programs were self-sufficient, each copy of software could independently solve a certain task on the capacity of a separate system. But with the mass arrival of online everything has changed: most websites and mobile applications now rely on external servers and clouds.
At the same time, the flexibility of software development has increased. Today, specialists do not need to “reinvent the wheel”. It is enough to integrate the necessary package to implement functionality already created by someone else: from a widget with weather forecasts to cybersecurity tools and machine learning algorithms.
Basic API functionality
The potential of APIs in mobile apps is huge and useful for any business. Here are just some of the functions that can be implemented in an app using external interfaces:
- Authorization in the service via a social media account or Google account;
- Various client online forms (appointment, consultation request, etc);
- Currency converters and financial calculators;
- Chatbots and means of communication between the client and the support team;
- Integration of online cards;
- Use of electronic wallets;
- Mobile banking;
- AI tools (voice recognition, for example).
The provision of APIs itself is often a service for developers. Today, many services offer program interfaces of their own platforms as a finished product. Creating an API for a mobile application can be turned into a separate business.
API tools help businesses to quickly and cheaply automate routine processes, transform outdated web services. At the same time, it takes only a few weeks to implement new technology with this approach.
The scope of application of APIs depends on the sphere and conditions of a particular business. There are already robust programmatic interfaces for data delivery and analytics that are useful in almost any industry.
For example, in fintech, such tools are used for e-wallets, connecting algorithms to combat fraudsters and illegal transactions. In retail, APIs can help with the implementation of a complex system of notifications for customers, automate the processing of applications.