APIs & Integration
API
Application programming interface
A defined way for software systems to request data or actions from one another.
How it connects
Travel app
Requests flight options
APIReturns current options
Airline service
Example
A travel application calls an airline service to retrieve current flight options.
Why it matters
It lets an app use another service's capabilities without someone copying information between them by hand.
You'll hear it
“The app gets its delivery updates through the courier's API.”
Can you control it?
Set by the team
The people building or running the AI choose this setup. An everyday user generally needs their help to change how this part works.
Common questions
- Is an API the same as a user interface?
- No. An API connects software; a user interface gives people buttons, screens or other ways to interact.
- What happens when an API changes?
- An app using it may stop working correctly if it still expects the old request or reply format.
- What should I know before depending on an API?
- Find out what access is required, how usage is charged and whether there are limits on requests.