APIbaserade

APIbaserade describes software or services that are designed and operated around application programming interfaces (APIs). In an API-based approach, components communicate through well-defined interfaces, allowing external systems to access data or functionality without needing to know the internal implementation. This style is common in modern software architectures, including microservices, cloud platforms, and software-as-a-service offerings.

Key characteristics include decoupled components, standardized interfaces, and clear documentation. APIs typically use protocols such as HTTP(S) and data formats like JSON or XML. Common API models are REST, GraphQL, and gRPC. Security considerations are central, with authentication and authorization approaches such as OAuth, API keys, and JWTs, as well as rate limiting and monitoring.

Typical use cases include integration between enterprise systems, connections to external data services, programmatic control of cloud resources, and automation of workflows through API calls. API-based designs enable partners to build on top of a platform, create alternative front-ends, or unify data from multiple sources.

Benefits of an API-based approach include improved scalability, modularity, and faster delivery of new features, since development can proceed on separate services. Ecosystems grow as third-party developers can build apps that consume or extend the API. Challenges include ensuring security, governance, reliability, versioning, and managing dependencies on external services.