|
|
API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API is a remote service that a
computing system, such as your Website, can access. Thus, making that remote service
part of the system that is calling it. Don't let the word "Interface" throw you. You
may envision a
screen with buttons and forms. There is nothing to see with an API. The interface is
just a way of saying that two computing systems can interact on the fly.
Gateway Processors that process credit cards usually offer an API to access their service.
A true API is seamless meaning the person using the Website does not know that
the remote service is called. There is no interruption in service. For example,
if you incorporate a shipping API in to your Web store to do real-time UPS shipping
then the following will happen:
- User will checkout and enter their contact information complete with zip code.
- The user then moves to the next step of the Web store which is "Select Shipping Option".
- When that page is requested, the Web server that hosts your site will access the
remote UPS service to get the available shipping options and costs for a package
going from your location to the user's zip code based on weight of the order.
- The information comes back from the remote service and is added to the Web page.
- The client now selects their desired shipping option.
The user has no idea that any of this just happened. Hence, the service is seamless.
APIs are a huge benefit to Websites because they allow you to integrate powerful 3rd party services
with minimal effort. Thus, extending the usefullness of your Website and overall efficiency of
your business.
|
|
|