Beginner's Guide to API
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:40 am
Until 1999, people had to use maps printed on paper to navigate. Then GPS technology was invented and implemented in various devices such as mobile phones. Today, you can get directions to any destination with just a few clicks on your phone.
For example, Google's software system contains all the information about routes and directions around the world and provides navigation to the desired destination.
But where do APIs fit into this picture?
image3Google navigation app. Google Maps on your phone number database phone sends requests to Google's software system using APIs to provide you with the fastest way to get to your destination. Using a set of definitions and protocols, APIs allow two software components to interact and exchange information.
20% of people say long wait times are the most frustrating part of interacting with companies ( MarketsandMarkets , The API management market is projected to be worth $5.1 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 32.9%.
Introduction to API
So what is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of program codes that allows data to be transferred between one software and another. It also defines the terms of data exchange.
Any software with a specific function is called an application when discussing APIs. You can compare an API to a service agreement between two programs. One program requests a service, and the other program responds with the requested service. APIs can automatically update data between two applications.
For example, API integration helps your phone's photo gallery automatically upload data to the cloud. APIs can be effectively used by businesses to automate various system operations.
Now let's take a look at how APIs work.
How do APIs work?
An API performs the same basic task as the web. The applications that send requests are called Clients , and the applications that respond are called Servers . A client uses an API to communicate with a server when a resource is needed. In the navigation app example, the mobile app is the client and Google is the server. This data exchange process is called an API call .
Each server provides API documentation to its clients. This documentation covers API operations such as data queries, effective usage, integration, and modifications to customize queries to meet data requirements.
Let's look at the procedure for any API call.
Below is the general procedure for any API call:
The client sends a request to the server. The client formats the request according to the API documentation so that the server can understand it.
The server receives the request, verifies the client's identity, and confirms that the client is authorized to send the request.
The server then executes the internal request and retrieves the requested data.
The client receives a response from the server. The response to the client indicates whether the request was successful, along with the requested information.
Depending on how developers design an API, the details of the API request and response may differ slightly.
In 2020, Slashdata published their 19th Developer Economy Study , which offers some detailed insights into how developers are using APIs. According to Slashdata, nearly 90% of developers use APIs to some extent. They break it down even further, finding:
69% use third-party APIs
20% use internal or private APIs
So what are third-party and private APIs? These are different types of APIs that programmers use.
What types of APIs are there?
Programmers use the following five different types of APIs:
Private APIs : These are primarily intended for internal use. Internal connections between systems and data within an organization use private APIs to exchange information.
Public APIs : These are available to everyone. Public APIs may or may not require payment or authorization, depending on the client and server.
Partner APIs : Only approved third-party developers can create and use these to facilitate collaboration between companies.
Composite APIs : Two or more different APIs combined to solve complex system requirements or behavior.
Web API : An application programming interface (web API or web service API) connects a web server and a web browser. While all APIs are web services, not all web services are APIs.
Based on the architecture and protocols , APIs operate in the following ways:
SOAP APIs : It uses simple object access protocols. Clients and servers use XML to exchange messages.
RPC-API : RPC stands for Remote Procedure Call. The client executes a function (or procedure) on the server, and the server then sends the result back to the client.
Web Socket APIs : Web APIs that use JSON objects to exchange data are called Websocket APIs. The client and server can exchange data in both directions using the WebSocket API. The server can communicate with connected clients using callback messages, making it more efficient than REST APIs.
REST APIs : The most widely used and adaptable APIs currently available on the Internet are REST APIs. The client sends a request to the server in the form of data. The server runs internal processes based on the client's request and responds with the required information.
What are the benefits of API?
Applications become more modular with APIs. Developers can benefit from the experience of other applications using APIs.
When a company creates an application, it no longer has to reinvent the wheel in terms of communication, payment processing, authentication, and matching. Instead, developers can use API functionality and seamless plug-ins.
APIs enable communication between applications and parts of a system over internal networks and the Internet, simplifying access to resources. They now play a critical role in business initiatives to make internal applications and services available online to customers, partners, suppliers, and third parties.
Below are the main benefits of the API:
Applications : API access provides greater flexibility in the process of transferring information between different applications.
Reach : APIs allow you to build application layers to distribute information to different audiences.
Customization : It can serve as a solution for creating different user interfaces, allowing protocols, functions and commands to be adapted to specific requirements.
Efficiency : APIs allow for more efficient data distribution when content is automatically published and made available across multiple channels at the same time.
Adaptability : One of the biggest benefits of APIs is their ability to adapt to changes through data migration and service flexibility.
There are always new opportunities for businesses. With APIs, they can meet the needs of their customers across multiple platforms.
API in Vtiger CRM
With these benefits, Vtiger adopts a combination of the Vtiger Application Platform ( VTAP ) and API. This allows customers to easily customize and extend the CRM with integrations to suit their needs.image5
We've also created our own APIs for specific tasks, such as creating a record, converting a lead, adding tasks, and more. Want to see the APIs used for different features? Check out our REST API Guide to learn more.
Here are some examples of using the API in Vtiger CRM:
Integrate Slack with your CRM and post messages to slack channels from your CRM.
Perform email or phone verification when entering data into CRM.
Get the latest currency exchange rates and apply them when creating invoices, commercial offers, etc.
Display real-time weather information for a contact or interest.
Enrich customer data with email addresses, company domains, and more.
Did you know that Vtiger users can create their own APIs? Check out Vtiger CRM's API Designer , which allows you to create your own APIs. With personal APIs, you can customize your CRM and differentiate your products or services in the market.
For example, Google's software system contains all the information about routes and directions around the world and provides navigation to the desired destination.
But where do APIs fit into this picture?
image3Google navigation app. Google Maps on your phone number database phone sends requests to Google's software system using APIs to provide you with the fastest way to get to your destination. Using a set of definitions and protocols, APIs allow two software components to interact and exchange information.
20% of people say long wait times are the most frustrating part of interacting with companies ( MarketsandMarkets , The API management market is projected to be worth $5.1 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 32.9%.
Introduction to API
So what is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of program codes that allows data to be transferred between one software and another. It also defines the terms of data exchange.
Any software with a specific function is called an application when discussing APIs. You can compare an API to a service agreement between two programs. One program requests a service, and the other program responds with the requested service. APIs can automatically update data between two applications.
For example, API integration helps your phone's photo gallery automatically upload data to the cloud. APIs can be effectively used by businesses to automate various system operations.
Now let's take a look at how APIs work.
How do APIs work?
An API performs the same basic task as the web. The applications that send requests are called Clients , and the applications that respond are called Servers . A client uses an API to communicate with a server when a resource is needed. In the navigation app example, the mobile app is the client and Google is the server. This data exchange process is called an API call .
Each server provides API documentation to its clients. This documentation covers API operations such as data queries, effective usage, integration, and modifications to customize queries to meet data requirements.
Let's look at the procedure for any API call.
Below is the general procedure for any API call:
The client sends a request to the server. The client formats the request according to the API documentation so that the server can understand it.
The server receives the request, verifies the client's identity, and confirms that the client is authorized to send the request.
The server then executes the internal request and retrieves the requested data.
The client receives a response from the server. The response to the client indicates whether the request was successful, along with the requested information.
Depending on how developers design an API, the details of the API request and response may differ slightly.
In 2020, Slashdata published their 19th Developer Economy Study , which offers some detailed insights into how developers are using APIs. According to Slashdata, nearly 90% of developers use APIs to some extent. They break it down even further, finding:
69% use third-party APIs
20% use internal or private APIs
So what are third-party and private APIs? These are different types of APIs that programmers use.
What types of APIs are there?
Programmers use the following five different types of APIs:
Private APIs : These are primarily intended for internal use. Internal connections between systems and data within an organization use private APIs to exchange information.
Public APIs : These are available to everyone. Public APIs may or may not require payment or authorization, depending on the client and server.
Partner APIs : Only approved third-party developers can create and use these to facilitate collaboration between companies.
Composite APIs : Two or more different APIs combined to solve complex system requirements or behavior.
Web API : An application programming interface (web API or web service API) connects a web server and a web browser. While all APIs are web services, not all web services are APIs.
Based on the architecture and protocols , APIs operate in the following ways:
SOAP APIs : It uses simple object access protocols. Clients and servers use XML to exchange messages.
RPC-API : RPC stands for Remote Procedure Call. The client executes a function (or procedure) on the server, and the server then sends the result back to the client.
Web Socket APIs : Web APIs that use JSON objects to exchange data are called Websocket APIs. The client and server can exchange data in both directions using the WebSocket API. The server can communicate with connected clients using callback messages, making it more efficient than REST APIs.
REST APIs : The most widely used and adaptable APIs currently available on the Internet are REST APIs. The client sends a request to the server in the form of data. The server runs internal processes based on the client's request and responds with the required information.
What are the benefits of API?
Applications become more modular with APIs. Developers can benefit from the experience of other applications using APIs.
When a company creates an application, it no longer has to reinvent the wheel in terms of communication, payment processing, authentication, and matching. Instead, developers can use API functionality and seamless plug-ins.
APIs enable communication between applications and parts of a system over internal networks and the Internet, simplifying access to resources. They now play a critical role in business initiatives to make internal applications and services available online to customers, partners, suppliers, and third parties.
Below are the main benefits of the API:
Applications : API access provides greater flexibility in the process of transferring information between different applications.
Reach : APIs allow you to build application layers to distribute information to different audiences.
Customization : It can serve as a solution for creating different user interfaces, allowing protocols, functions and commands to be adapted to specific requirements.
Efficiency : APIs allow for more efficient data distribution when content is automatically published and made available across multiple channels at the same time.
Adaptability : One of the biggest benefits of APIs is their ability to adapt to changes through data migration and service flexibility.
There are always new opportunities for businesses. With APIs, they can meet the needs of their customers across multiple platforms.
API in Vtiger CRM
With these benefits, Vtiger adopts a combination of the Vtiger Application Platform ( VTAP ) and API. This allows customers to easily customize and extend the CRM with integrations to suit their needs.image5
We've also created our own APIs for specific tasks, such as creating a record, converting a lead, adding tasks, and more. Want to see the APIs used for different features? Check out our REST API Guide to learn more.
Here are some examples of using the API in Vtiger CRM:
Integrate Slack with your CRM and post messages to slack channels from your CRM.
Perform email or phone verification when entering data into CRM.
Get the latest currency exchange rates and apply them when creating invoices, commercial offers, etc.
Display real-time weather information for a contact or interest.
Enrich customer data with email addresses, company domains, and more.
Did you know that Vtiger users can create their own APIs? Check out Vtiger CRM's API Designer , which allows you to create your own APIs. With personal APIs, you can customize your CRM and differentiate your products or services in the market.