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The ABCs of APIs
Ever wonder what an API really is? Here are definitions about APIs and related terms from A to Z!
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
Ever wonder what an API really is? Here are definitions about APIs and related terms from A to Z!
A is for API
APIs are the secret sauce of apps. They let you combine app functionalities to make even greater things! #APIpower
B is for Bearer Token
Bearer tokens are like keys to access stuff online. Whoever holds the token can use it to access the thing it unlocks.
C is for Changelog
Changelogs tell you what’s new in an app or software update. They help you understand changes made and fix bugs. It’s like a cheat sheet for updates!
D is for DELETE
A DELETE HTTP request lets us delete a specified resource on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.
E is for Error Codes
Error codes help devs figure out what went wrong in an API. They tell us if it’s a user error or something wrong with the API itself.
F is for FAQs
Frequently asked questions give API users the answers to their questions in one central location.
G is for GET Request
A GET HTTP request lets us query for resources on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.
H is for Headers
HTTP headers give an application additional information about an HTTP request or response. We can use them for many things such as control caching, or authentication.
I is for Idempotency Tokens
Idempotency tokens assign a unique value to API requests, ensuring that the request can be safely retried without causing unintended side effects.
J is for Job Queue
Job queues let APIs handle multiple requests simultaneously. Incoming requests go into a queue, where they wait to be processed.
K is for Keys
Keys authenticate and authorize access to an API. They are a secure way to grant access without sharing sensitive login credentials.
L is for Link
Links let APIs do many things. A link may be used to point to another related resource or a signed link could be used for authentication.
M is for Metadata
Metadata properties on resources make an API more flexible. Developers can use metadata to store varying data relevant to their app.
N is for Network
Networks expose APIs to the web, allowing for faster, easier integration with other apps.
O is for Object
Objects organize the data exposed through APIs in a digestible format. Objects make it easier to work with data.
P is for POST Request
A POST HTTP request lets us create resources on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.
Q is for Query Parameters
Query parameters let us better define our request to an API. With query parameters, we can filter and sort data in the API response.
R is for Rate Limiting
Rate limiting requests to an API prevents resource exhaustion or abuse. Rate limits ensure that the API remains responsive for all users.
S is for Sandbox
Sandbox access allows users to test API functionality. In sandbox mode, developers can experiment without affecting live data or systems.
T is for Templates
Templates or schemas let APIs define rules and standards across its data. Templates play a big role in creating dynamic applications.
U is for Update (normally done through a ‘PATCH Request')
Updating data through a PATCH or PUT request is crucial to any API. Without endpoints to update, we’d have to delete and recreate data.
V is for Value
Value is the term often associated with user input. Most data across APIs is processed as key-value pairs like “username: zealous zebra.”
W is for Webhooks
Webhooks let APIs give real-time information for any changes to a resource. This allows us to automate tasks based on specific events.
X is for X-Forwarded Headers
X-Forwarded-Headers let APIs identify and track the origin of a client even as a request is passed between systems.
Y is for Yarn Deploy
Yarn Deploy is a common command that developers use to run scripts to deploy the API software to the server.
Z is for Zeal
(@zealapi) is the best payroll API company out there
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