What is an API and How Do They Work?

Difficulty: Beginner
Duration: 33 seconds
Students: 1,080
Rating: 4.8/5

An API (Application Programming Interface) allows users or applications to interact with each other, making communication with the underlying service easier for both the service itself and the user calling it. This lesson covers the basics of what an API is, how it functions, and why you would want to use one.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the basics of APIs
  • Learn about HTTP and internet communication
  • Understand the difference between HTTP and REST

Intended Audience

Solutions architects, developers, or anyone interested in learning about APIs.

Prerequisites

 A basic understanding of internet technology.

Covered Topics