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Connectivity the pillars of the digital world. Increasingly, technologies, systems and services are linked with the aim of bringing more innovation, practicality and efficiency.
In this context, a tool emerges with great importance: APIs ( Application Programming Interface) . This is because they are like digital translators, playing a fundamental role in the integration between different software and applications, making them communicate with each other, facilitating the exchange of data and functionalities.
But did you know that there are different types of APIs? And choosing the right API can make a significant difference to a project's performance and efficiency. Therefore, understanding the differences and applications of each type is crucial for any business that aims to optimize integration .
Therefore, in this article, we will explore the main types of APIs, their characteristics and how to choose the best option for your business .
What is an API and why is it important?
An API is a tool that defines a set of rules and protocols that specify how applications can request and receive data.
Therefore, its importance lies in the ability to connect multiple solutions . For example, an API allows an application to access data from another system, such as payment services or social media integration.
Furthermore, the use of APIs increases the software development , as developers can reuse functionalities from other services without having to create them from scratch, saving time and resources.
What are the main advantages of APIs?
Now that you understand what an API is, we will see its advantages and benefits below:
Integration: APIs , enabling them to communicate in a standardized way and expanding access to system functionalities.
Security: Well-designed APIs can offer layers of security for data and transactions, as authentication and authorization processes can be implemented, ensuring that only authorized users and systems can access certain data or functionalities.
Development agility: with APIs, developers can reuse existing codes, saving time, reducing efforts and, consequently, improving productivity in new projects.
Scalability: It allows applications to be easily expanded to serve a growing number of users. This makes the IT architecture more flexible and scalable.
Automation: with APIs, task automation becomes possible and easier, reducing the need for manual intervention in various processes.
Innovation: facilitates the creation of new solutions and the integration of different technologies.
What types of APIs exist?
Basically, there are 4 types of APIs : open (public), private, partner, and composite. They can be used for different purposes, so below we will present the main characteristics of each one to facilitate the best choice for your business.
Open (public) APIs
Open APIs , also known as public, are available to any developer or company. They allow access to data and functionality without complex restrictions.
The main aspect of this type of API is the fact that the data is shared . This feature encourages external developers and entrepreneurs to integrate with the application that relies on the API.
Therefore, they are widely used by companies looking to expand their services or create a community around their platform. For example, APIs from social networks like Facebook and Twitter allow developers to create applications that interact with these platforms.
The Waze traffic app is another example. It uses public APIs provided by municipalities and thus updates data on accidents, roads, etc.
Main features:
- Ease of access: any person or company can use them;
- Accessible documentation: generally well documented to facilitate integration;
- Common use cases: Third-party apps, mashups, and integrations with popular services.
Private APIs
As the name suggests, this interface features restricted accessibility . That is, private APIs are intended for internal use within an organization and are not available to external developers.
Its aim is to improve internal connectivity , integrate software , develop new applications and ensure greater control and security of the company's systems.
For example, a company might use a private API to integrate its customer management system with its billing system.
Main features:
- Security: greater control over who can access the data;
- Efficiency: optimized for the company’s internal processes;
- Exclusivity: used to integrate internal systems and improve processes.
Partner APIs
Partner APIs are designed to be used by specific trading partners , so they are not open to the general public. Access to the tool is limited to authorized people or those with official licenses.
Most of the time, the use of this type of API is usually regulated by the conditions of the company providing the tool.
Because of this, security measures tend to be more rigorous compared to other types of APIs, guaranteeing the confidentiality of information.
Main features:
- Selective exclusivity: restricted access to authorized partners;
- Commercial relationships: facilitate business partnerships and collaborations;
- Customized functionalities: adapted to partners’ needs.
Composite APIs
Composite APIs combine multiple interfaces and enable developers to group requests and receive a unified response from multiple servers.
This type of API is highly recommended for professionals who need data to develop applications from different sources of information.
For example, a composite API can combine authentication, payment, and notification services into a single API for an e-commerce application.
Furthermore, this interface provides faster systems . This means that it is commonly implemented in small services in which a specific job may require many APIs to be completed.
Main features:
- Simplified integration: reduces complexity in integrating multiple services;
- Efficiency: Fewer network calls result in better performance;
- Reuse: facilitates the reuse of multiple services or functions.
Technical classification of APIs
In addition to these general types of APIs, there is a technical classification that helps developers choose the best approach for their integration needs. Check it out below:
REST APIs
REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs are widely used due to their simplicity and scalability . This is because they use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT and DELETE to perform operations.
In this way, REST allows easy manipulation of resources, ensuring interoperability between different systems.
Furthermore, an important feature of REST APIs is their use of URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) to identify resources, which simplifies navigation and interaction.
SOAP APIs
SOAPs (Simple Object Access Protocol) are older and use XML to exchange messages. They are more complex and less flexible than REST APIs.
This type of API is known for its robustness and security , and its rigorous structuring ensures consistency and integrity of transmitted data. Therefore, it is recommended for environments that require greater control.
RPC APIs
RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a protocol that allows code to be executed on a remote server as if it were a local procedure call. This facilitates direct communication between different systems.
An advantage of RPC APIs is their simplicity in implementation and execution , facilitating integration between heterogeneous systems . However, the scope of operations tends to be more limited compared to REST or SOAP.
WebSocket APIs
WebSocket APIs enable two-way communication between the client and the server. They are used in applications that require constant updates, such as chats and online games.
WebSocket provides a persistent connection , reducing latencies and providing more dynamic and efficient interactions. This ensures continuous communication without the need to constantly re-establish connections.
Therefore, WebSocket APIs are great options for scenarios where real-time communication is essential, offering an efficient and scalable alternative.
How to choose the best API for your business?
As we have seen, APIs have their particularities, so making the right choice for your business requires considering several factors.
The first step is to understand the needs of your business. Consider the different software and systems that need integration. Identifying these needs is crucial to selecting the appropriate API.
Another important aspect is evaluating the objectives of each project . The API must align with your company's technical and legal objectives. This ensures that it meets all the requirements necessary for the success of the project.
The characteristics of the APIs are also determining. For example, some APIs offer greater security, others have a better user interface. Therefore, knowing these characteristics helps in choosing the API that best meets the specific needs of the project.
Finally, evaluating the features offered by the solution is also necessary. Some APIs have multiple payment options and additional features that facilitate future integrations. Opting for an API that offers more functionality can bring long-term benefits.
Integrate your systems with Skyone
Now that you know the different types of APIs and their characteristics, it's time to put your knowledge into practice.
For this moment, Skyone presents itself as the ideal partner! Our data module features efficient products for creating, publishing and managing APIs.
By choosing Skyone as your integration partner, you are not just investing in a technological solution, you are expanding the possibilities of your business in the digital world!
Talk to our experts and find out more!
Conclusion
As we have seen throughout the article, APIs play an essential role in connectivity between systems and applications, as they enable the exchange of information quickly and efficiently, enabling interoperability between them.
However, there are different types of APIs, and choosing the type that best fits your company's needs is essential.
Each type of API has its own pros and cons , depending on the specific needs of each project, but with the correct choice, it is possible to guarantee not only effective communication between systems, but also the security and scalability of the applications developed.
Want to know more about the topic? Read our special guide on APIs
