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API does not have a single type or format, did you know? The Application Programming Interface is already a terminology known to technology professionals. This issue does not happen by chance, as the interface provides practicalities for those who work with programming and development.
On this topic, it is important to highlight that there are different types of API and each one has specific characteristics. In this context, it is important to know the types and purposes so that you can choose the best tool.
If you are interested in delving deeper into the topic, this content was created entirely for you. We will present the main existing types and the characteristics of each one.
What is the API?
Also known as Application Programming Interface or Application Programming Interface, the API enables the communication of different system components using different sets of protocols and definitions.
This platform provides access to databases and, therefore, facilitates communication between different services.
What are the types of API?
Basically, there are 4 types of interfaces and they can be used for different purposes. Therefore, following the post we will present the main characteristics so that you can learn about the characteristics of each tool and, thus, be able to make an assertive choice of API for your business.
Open APIs
Also known as public or external, open APIs are available to anyone. Many of these tools are free and there are others that charge a subscription fee.
The main positive aspect of this type of API is precisely the fact that the data is shared to the public. This feature encourages external developers and business owners to integrate with the application that relies on the API.
As the interface is public, there is no need for authorization. Furthermore, it can be easily implemented in systems. Other people can also take advantage of the information provided by the API in their daily lives.
The Waze traffic app is an example of this. It uses public APIs provided by municipalities and thus updates data on accidents, roads, etc. This information improves the lives of city residents, as people will know the best route to get to where they want to go.
Google is another example of this. To log into different websites, people can share their Google account data, making it easier for users to log in.
If we consider the main properties of the platform, we can say that it facilitates the integration of applications and can provide several practicalities to developers, users and other people interested in the functionalities available in each open API.
Private APIs
Unlike the type highlighted previously, this interface has restricted accessibility. Because of this characteristic, private APIs are designed to be used internally within companies, as they are usually only accessible via the internal network.
In this way, this type of interface can be used in the construction of new systems. Furthermore, it can be used to improve internal connectivity, integrate internal software , develop new mobile applications, etc.
All these positive aspects, taken together, can help the company expand its market reach and add value to the products offered.
Composite APIs
Composite APIs combine multiple interfaces and enable developers to group requests and receive a unified response from multiple servers.
It is also worth highlighting that this type of API is highly recommended for professionals who need data to develop applications from different sources of information.
The interface also has the advantage of reducing the load on servers and providing faster systems. Due to these characteristics, it is common for it to be implemented in small services in which a specific job may require many APIs to be completed.
Let's look at a practical example so that we can understand the characteristics of this tool. Imagine that you need to measure a shopping cart API.
In this procedure, some requests must be made. First, you need to create the customer profile. Next, you need to create the order, add items and change the measured status when necessary. In this case, instead of making four calls, you can make just 1 call when relying on a composite API.
Partner APIs
They are shared externally, but access to the tool is limited to authorized people within the company or even to authorized customers 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.
For these reasons, security measures tend to be more rigorous compared to other types of APIs. They guarantee the confidentiality of information, as only authorized people will have access to the data present in the tool.
If we consider these characteristics, we can say that the partner API provides several benefits to businesses. Among the main positive aspects are:
- strict control over people with access to resources, optimizing information security;
- expand influence over how resources will be used, providing autonomy for the company that develops the platform.
What are the main advantages of API?
The API facilitates the simplified integration of resources between different platforms, expanding access to the system's functionalities. Additionally, there are interfaces that help businesses improve information security.
Another positive aspect provided by the API is that the tool helps in the development of innovative solutions in the market, optimizing the quality of the products and services provided.
Last but not least, the tool has a wide access capacity and data volume. In this way, it becomes possible to reduce manual work and automate everyday tasks, contributing to reducing costs in organizations.
We present the main types of API and we can see that each tool has specific characteristics. Therefore, by learning about them, your company will be able to select the best interface for the project, contributing to organizational growth.
By relying on an optimized technological tool, your company will have more space to develop innovative solutions. Furthermore, it becomes possible to integrate the platform with different organizational segments.
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