Overview
This lecture explains how Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable seamless connectivity between devices, applications, and databases, allowing real-time data exchange and interaction across the digital world.
What is Connectivity?
- Connectivity allows instant interaction and access to global resources from any device.
- It enables tasks such as making purchases, bookings, and reservations online.
Understanding APIs
- An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools in software development.
- APIs specify operations, required inputs, expected outputs, and data types for software components.
- APIs act as messengers, processing requests and delivering responses between different systems.
API Analogy: The Waiter Example
- An API functions like a restaurant waiter who takes your order, communicates with the kitchen, and delivers your food.
- The waiter (API) links the customer (user) and kitchen (system), passing requests and responses.
Real-World API Example: Online Flight Booking
- When booking flights via an online travel service, the service uses the airline’s API to access seat availability and prices.
- APIs enable third-party services to communicate with different airline systems, collect data, and present information to users.
- APIs handle additional requests such as meal preferences and baggage options.
Role of APIs in Daily Interactions
- APIs are essential for any interaction involving data and devices, such as travel bookings or financial transactions.
- They create the connectivity that powers the digital world by enabling application and device interoperability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- API (Application Programming Interface) — A set of rules and tools that allow different software components to communicate and share data.
- Connectivity — The ability of devices and applications to communicate and exchange data in real time.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of APIs used in everyday web and mobile applications.
- Prepare questions about API roles for next class discussion.