API | REST | SOAP | JSON | XML | OAuth | Swagger
An API or application programming interface is a set of protocols, routines and tools for building software applications. An API specifies how software components should interact and provides a way for developers to access the functions of other components or systems.
APIs are typically used to enable communication and integration between different software systems. For example, an API can enable a web-based application to access data from a database or enable two different applications to exchange data with each other.
Some popular technologies related to APIs are:
REST: This is an architectural style for building APIs based on the principles of Representational State Transfer (REST). REST APIs use HTTP as the underlying protocol and define a set of constraints and best practices for building APIs that are scalable, maintainable, and easy to use.
JSON: This is a lightweight data exchange format commonly used for transferring data over the Internet. JSON is often used in REST APIs to represent the data sent and received between the client and the server.
OAuth: This is an open standard for authorization that allows users to grant third-party applications access to their protected resources without sharing their credentials. OAuth is commonly used in APIs to provide secure and scalable access to data and other resources.
Swagger: This is a set of tools and standards for designing, documenting, and testing APIs. It includes a specification for defining APIs in a machine-readable format, as well as tools for creating documentation, client libraries, and other artifacts.
Overall, APIs provide developers with a way to access and integrate the functionality of various systems and components, enabling the creation of complex and powerful applications.
BITS experts have used APIs as well as related technologies in a variety of projects. A selection of case studies and references can be found below.
