“API” Meaning - Definition in Computer Programming
Tags: api, programming, dictionary
Published: 2022-09-21 13:52:41

---
title: “API” Meaning - Definition in Computer Programming
published: True
description: Learn the definition of the term "API" and where it came from
tags: API, Programming, Dictionary
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What does the term "API" stand for? How has it become a regular part of our vocabulary? Learn what an API stands for and what it means in this short guide.
## What is an "API?"
API stands for ["Application Programming Interface."](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API) An API is a set of programming instructions that allow the software to interact with other software. In other words, an API is a way for two pieces of software to communicate with each other.

APIs are often used to connect different pieces of software. For example, the [Google Maps API](https://developers.google.com/maps) allows developers to add Google Maps functionality to their websites and applications. The Twitter API allows developers to access Twitter data and create Twitter-based applications.

APIs are also used to allow the software to interact with hardware. For example, the Arduino API allows developers to write code that interacts with [Arduino devices](https://www.arduino.cc/en/hardware).
### How has the abbreviation "API" become part of our regular vocabulary?### 
The term "API" has become a regular part of our vocabulary because more and more software is being created that relies on APIs to function. In addition, software engineering has increased as a job function by more than 300% in the past 6-years in the United States. As the world becomes increasingly connected, APIs will only become more critical.

Dalia Yashinsky, one of the experts in linguistics and English at [GrammarBrain](https://grammarbrain.com), said, "It's becoming more common for internet abbreviations to enter our daily lives. From "OMG" to "LOL," these abbreviations have become commonly understood replacements for idioms. The abbreviation for 'API' in software engineering might not be known, but its meaning is commonly understood."
### Who came up with the first "API?"
[Tim Berners-Lee](https://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/) created the first API in the early days of the internet. Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web and creating the first API. His API allowed different pieces of software to communicate with each other over the internet.
### What does a "Rest API" stand for?
A "REST API" represents a "Representational State Transfer API." A REST API is an API that uses simple HTTP requests to GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE data. REST APIs are often used to create web-based applications.
### What is an "API Key?"
An API Key is a unique code used to access an API. The API provider typically assigns API Keys. For example, the Google Maps API requires an API Key to use their API.
### What is an "API Endpoint?"
An API Endpoint is a URL that is used to access an API. For example, the Google Maps API has the following endpoint: [https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA&key=YOUR_API_KEY](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA&key=YOUR_API_KEY)
### What is an "API Request?"
An API Request is a request made to an API Endpoint. When you request an API, you are typically requesting data. For example, if you request the Google Maps API for directions from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you are requesting data (the directions).
### What is an "API Response?"
An API Response is the data that is returned from an API Request. In the example above, the data returned from the Google Maps API would be the directions from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Common questions
Questions about the abbreviation "API."
## Is "API" an abbreviation?
Yes, "API" is an abbreviation. It stands for "Application Programming Interface."
### What does "API" mean in business?
"API" stands for "Application Programming Interface." An API is a set of programming instructions that allow the software to interact with other software. In other words, an API is a way for two pieces of software to communicate with each other.
### What does "API" mean in programming?
The abbreviation "API" in business and programming means the same thing. "API" stands for "Application Programming Interface." An API is a set of programming instructions that allow the software to interact with other software. In other words, an API is a way for two pieces of software to communicate with each other.
### What does an "Open API" mean?
An Open API is an API that is publicly available and does not require authentication to access.
### What does a "Private API" mean?
A Private API is an API that requires authentication to access.
### What is an "API Management System?"
An API Management System is a software system that helps manage APIs. An API Management System typically provides authentication, rate-limiting, and analytics features.
### What is an "API Gateway?"
An API Gateway is a software system that acts as a gateway for API requests. An API Gateway typically provides authentication, rate-limiting, and load-balancing features.
What is an "API Proxy?"
An API Proxy is a software system that acts as a proxy for API requests. An API Proxy typically provides features such as authentication and rate-limiting.
### What is an "API Portal?"
An API Portal is a website that provides documentation and other resources for an API.
### What is an "API Developer Portal?"
What does "API" mean in the pharma industry?
The "API" in the pharma industry stands for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. The API is the part of the drug that has the intended therapeutic effect. Not as frequently confused since the trend for the "API" term in programming has sustained in usage since 2004.
Syndicated from [GoogleAPIs.com](https://storage.googleapis.com/about-apis/blog/api-meaning-definition-in-computer-programming.html)