An API is a set of clearly defined rules that lets two software systems work together. It tells each system what functions are available, what kind of information to send, and what to expect in return — much like a contract between the two.
APIs typically use structured formats like JSON or XML to make sure the data being exchanged is predictable and reliable. By hiding the complexity behind the scenes, APIs make it easier to build secure, scalable integrations between different applications.
Put simply, it’s like a waiter in a restaurant: one system makes a request, the API delivers it to the other system, and then brings back the result — no confusion, no direct access to the kitchen, just a smooth flow of information.
Check out the free whitepaper: The portable API: Using data standards and structured data for interoperability.