API Integration refers to the process of connecting different software applications through an Application Programming Interface (API). An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows one software application to interact with another, enabling them to exchange data or services seamlessly. API integration is essential for creating a connected ecosystem of apps, allowing them to communicate and share information without manual intervention.
APIs act as intermediaries that enable software systems to interact. They define the methods and data formats that applications can use to communicate with each other. APIs can be public (open to third-party developers), private (used within an organization), or partner APIs (shared between specific organizations).
API integration is typically achieved using either REST (Representational State Transfer) or SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). REST is more flexible, using standard web protocols such as HTTP, while SOAP is a more rigid protocol used in enterprise systems requiring more security and transaction management.
API integration facilitates real-time data exchange between systems. For example, an e-commerce website can use an API to integrate with a payment gateway to process transactions, or a CRM system can pull customer data from a marketing platform through an API.
Webhooks are a method for an API to send real-time data to other systems. Instead of constantly querying an API for new information, a webhook automatically sends data when a certain event occurs, such as when a new customer signs up.
API integration automates workflows by enabling systems to communicate and share data in real-time, reducing the need for manual data entry or repetitive tasks.
API integration enables businesses to scale their operations by adding new functionality or services through APIs without disrupting existing systems. It allows businesses to integrate third-party services and expand capabilities without building everything from scratch.
For end users, API integration creates a seamless experience across different platforms and applications. For example, logging into multiple services using a single set of credentials (via OAuth) is a result of API integration.