Application Programming Interface
An API is a set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with software applications.
Why it matters
- Enables interaction between different software systems.
- Facilitates integration and functionality extension.
How to measure
- API response time and uptime.
- Monthly API call volume and error rates.
Details
APIs are crucial in mobile development as they allow apps to communicate with backend services, third-party platforms, and other applications. They define the methods and data formats that apps can use to request and exchange information. For mobile engineers, understanding API documentation is essential for implementing features that rely on external data or services.
APIs can be public, allowing any developer to access them, or private, restricted to specific users or applications. They can also be RESTful, using HTTP requests to access and use data, or use other protocols like SOAP. Choosing the right type of API depends on the specific needs of the application and the resources available.
Examples & formulas
A common API usage scenario in mobile apps is fetching user data from a server. For example, a weather app might use an API to retrieve current weather conditions based on the user's location.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring API rate limits, leading to throttling; monitor usage and optimize calls.
- Failing to handle API errors gracefully; implement error handling and retries.