What is API Integration and Why Is It So Important for eCommerce Software?
Tags: programming, webdev, api
Published: 2022-07-04 14:35:12

As an eCommerce software company that aims to grow and expand, you need to become aware of the great importance of API integration with shopping platforms. We have put together a complete API integration guide to help you out with this process.

When you are marketing automation, repricing, order and inventory management, shipping software provider, reaching new markets, and expanding into new potential niches, you cannot realize these goals without using proper API integration.

Without integration with e-commerce APIs, it is close to impossible to operate or maintain your business. You will not be able to work with clients' e-stores data connected with products, customers, orders, shipments, etc. However, when you integrate your business with the APIs of the main eCommerce platforms, you can expand your customer number and offer better functionalities to your clients.

## What is an API?

An [Application Programming Interface](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_programming_interface) (API) is a set of protocols used by software solutions and technology products for interacting with each other, requesting, and sending data. An API allows a specific application to interact with external services using a set of simple commands.

To make it easier for you to understand, let’s say that you provide software for eCommerce shop owners who sell their products online using various shopping platforms. An application programming interface (API) enables you to access the data stored by these platforms so that you can manipulate it by your system. Basically, you can pull information connected to the e-store's prices, products, orders, and the list goes on.

Developers can use the API to add specific functionalities to their applications, speed up development time, and create an environment where data is easily integrated.

An API enables two programs to communicate with one another by providing a way for the first program to access data from the second program.

## API Requests and API Responses

The entire API infrastructure revolves around requests for and responses to data. It is essential to understand how this system works.

When you add an endpoint to an URL and make a call to the server, you are making an API request. You make an API request when you need to get data from some system. For instance, if you need to retrieve the order data from Shopify, you need to do it through an API request.
        
Performing an API request enables you to pull specific information from a database using methods such as PUT, GET, POST, or DELETE. The data request is known as the “body,” and it is required information returned by the server.                                                                                  

After sending an API request, the API response usually appears. The response is usually in XML or JSON format.

An API response depends on the type of request that has been made. Every request gives unique data as a response.

## What is API Integration in the eCommerce Sphere?

In the eCommerce sphere, API integration refers to the process of connecting a specific software or app with an eCommerce platform. Basically, software companies that deal with warehouse management, marketing automation, order, and inventory management need to connect with platforms such as Magento, Shopify, Ecwid, WooCommerce, etc.

Once a connection is established, the software system can access valuable information related to products, shipments, orders, customers, and prices stored on an eCommerce platform. As a result of their newfound access, software providers can capitalize on perks and benefits.

Once you’ve integrated your eCommerce software with shopping platforms, you can retrieve and manage all the info you need to stay ahead of the competition and provide superior services to customers. You can also expand your customer database by integrating with multiple platforms, thus giving you more opportunities to reach new prospects and existing customers alike. This will increase your profits in the long run. By establishing yourself as a trustworthy brand, prospects will be more likely to use your software.

## How to Develop a Reliable API Integration with eCommerce Platforms?

API integration with as many shopping platforms as possible can help you capitalize on all the benefits listed above for your company.

However, the process of integrating your software with the different shopping platforms is very different. For example, integrating with Shopify is different than integrating with Magento. That is because every shopping platform has its own architecture and logic.

A manual integration with each shopping platform comes with countless disadvantages, such as:
- Huge costs
- Challenges related to each platform’s infrastructure
- Continual maintenance costs
- The manual integration requires skilled developers who have technical expertise in API integrations
- The security threats are ever-present

Using [API2Cart](https://api2cart.com/?utm_source=dev.to&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=apiintegrationn.kov), a third-party solution, is the best way to integrate your eCommerce software with shopping platforms. With this integration service, you can seamlessly connect your software with 40+ shopping platforms and marketplaces at once and use up to 100 API methods to manage data. Best of all, you can try API2Cart free of charge for 30 days and see how it works for your business.