What is Web API?
A web API is an application programming interface (API) for interacting with a web server using HTTP requests.It is a set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with web-based software and applications.
A web API allows for communication between different software systems, and can be used to retrieve or manipulate data over the internet.
Web APIs are commonly used to access web-based databases or services, such as social media platforms, weather services, and online marketplaces.
They can be accessed by various clients, including web browsers, mobile apps, and other servers.
Where can web api be application?
Web APIs can be used by application developers to access various web-based services and resources. Some examples of web APIs include:
- Social media APIs: These allow developers to access data and functionality from social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Weather APIs: These allow developers to access weather data, such as current conditions, forecasts, and historical data.
- News APIs: These allow developers to access news content and metadata from various news sources.
- Payment APIs: These allow developers to access payment processing functionality, such as accepting credit card payments or processing PayPal transactions.
- Geolocation APIs: These allow developers to access geolocation data, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, and perform reverse geocoding to determine a physical address.
- Mapping APIs: These allow developers to access mapping data and functionality, such as displaying maps and markers, and performing routing and directions.
- Database APIs: These allow developers to access data stored in web-based databases, such as MySQL, MongoDB and Firebase.
- Cloud storage APIs: These allow developers to access and manage files stored in cloud storage platforms, such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure.