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We are convinced that you have also heard of them at some point. To explain what they are, first, we are going to give you a very simple example. Imagine that you want to develop an app like Cabify to track where the vehicle is and how long it will take to pick you up.
In short, you want to develop a transport technology platform to connect users and companies, so you'll need geolocation, but what will your maps be like? Will you build them from scratch, or will you connect them to Google Maps to use theirs?
Imagine the cost of creating your own maps, ideally connecting to Google Maps and using its development in your application. That's an API (Application Programming Interface). But...
let's go a bit deeper into this concept!
API, what is it and what is it for?
Based on the previous example, an API is nothing more than taking advantage of the development that other companies have done for your application. They are definitions and protocols used to develop and integrate the software of applications and allow your App to connect with others without needing to know how they are implemented. Therefore, it gives you much more power than if it were a single isolated application.
Thanks to the presence of APIs, companies greatly simplify the development of their applications, with greater flexibility and opportunities for innovation. This medium connects their own infrastructure through the development of cloud-native applications, but also allows them to share their data with customers and other external users. You can use the functions and procedures of the API in your software, giving it a general use.
Other concepts related to APIs are: interface (abstraction layer for two systems to communicate) or software architecture (the way a system is organised), among others.
if you have any doubts, give us a call.
7 advantages of using an API in your business applications
The term API has been evolving due to the revolution in web services, so that we find new concepts, such as API REST, among others.
Any professional developer can immediately identify the advantages of working with an API:
- Greater independence in language and technology.
You can develop your application in any language or technology with which you optimise time, or even the one that best suits your needs. In any case, there would be no problem if in the future you change the tools with which you have implemented the API. Remember, it provides independence. If you respect its operations, it will be more than enough.
- Automation.
Work tasks can be done by computers rather than people. And that can be achieved with APIs that update workflows to get tasks done in less time. The result? More productivity.
- Improved user experience.
Generally, it performs better than traditional development that is not based on an API. You save time in the processes and you don't need to be loading the page. The user will appreciate the speed with which it works.
- Greater reach.
You can create an application layer perfectly with an API, as well as use it later to distribute services and information to the public, customise them, etc. You will create much more personalised user experiences.
- Greater scalability and flexibility.
You will be able to make any changes to the server or database without producing errors, which will allow you to grow. In addition, you can send front-end pages from servers and have the API hosted on other independent servers. You will achieve a much more flexible application!
- Adaptation.
An API will help you to anticipate changes, as it supports better data migration and offers a better review of the data. In addition, you can also customise the contents and services used.
- Integration.
They allow content to be integrated from any site or application much more easily, ensuring seamless delivery and a better user experience.
In short, your business will see the benefits of APIs in increased process transformation, greater organisation of internal systems to support new projects in a consistent way, new opportunities to attract customers, and reduced maintenance costs.
Better yet, any type of company can use these types of applications and improve the user experience.
Conclusions about APIs
First of all, they not only make the developers' job easier, but also the life of the application over time. Perhaps, when talking about applications, it is not so much from a development point of view, but it is important to understand why APIs are so beneficial. Not only do they allow for better coordination with stakeholders, but they directly influence the user's experience with the brand.
build your own and experience all the benefits!
