How To Learn and Use APIs in 2022

APIs are awesome, most big companies wouldnt be existing if not for APIs. In order to use APIs, you have to be familiar with some programming languages. Python is recommended as the best language for APIs because python uses a lot of libraries and the most common library is the request library. Welcome to anythingprogramming.com, in this article we are breaking the use of APIs and how to learn it from scratch. To learn API, you must learn some programming language like python and also use API you should be able to read and understand documentation.

What is an API?

API (Application Programming Interface) It is a server(computer) as well as software that can be used to collect data and also send data with the use of codes. An API has well-structured documentation that helps developers to integrate it into their projects

In simple terms, an API is an interface that allows two applications to interact with each other.

For example, when you use your mobile phone to check weather updates it is an API that will fetch that data for you. APIs are really useful in developing a well-organized application that fetches data outside its environment.

7 Examples of Applications That Rely on APIs

1. Uber

2. Instagram

3. Facebook Messenger

4. Weather Snippets

5. PayPal

6. Google maps

7. Booking apps

** Why Do Developers Use APIs?**

APIs collect data from software and make sure that it is compatible with external software. API is just an interface so end users do not have direct contact with it, they only benefit from its use.

If you are familiar with web development (Frontend), a user only sees the interface of the applications but not the logic behind the interface. Similar to APIs, the user only reap from it after the API has delivered its request.

Can a Non-Programmer Use API?

Why will you use API when you have zero knowledge about programming. Although API has some documentation that developers use. If you are not a developer, then API will be kind of hard to use knowledge. The reason for this is the primary target of those APIs are developers, and not ordinary users. It's like a command prompt. Is it convenient for you to use it? Or consider another example. In order to fix the engine in your car, you may need to have plenty of devices and potentially separate buildings. The same is with API. In order to benefit from the usage of them start with learning some language, and you'll use them with one or two lines of code in that language.

Conclusion

I hope now you know what is an API and how to use it in your projects. If you find this piece useful please share it whiles you comment your thought about this post.

Thank you.