Sovellusliittymäpyyntöjen

Sovellusliitty, often translated as application programming interface (API), is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information. Think of it as a menu in a restaurant: it lists the available dishes (functions) and how to order them (requests), without requiring you to know how the kitchen prepares them (implementation details).

APIs enable developers to integrate features from one application into another, fostering interoperability and innovation. For example, a travel website might use a flight booking API from an airline to display real-time flight availability and allow users to make reservations directly. Similarly, a social media platform might offer an API that allows third-party apps to post updates on behalf of users.

There are various types of APIs, including web APIs (which use the internet for communication), library APIs (which are part of software libraries), and operating system APIs (which allow applications to interact with the operating system's functionalities). The development and management of APIs are crucial for building modern, interconnected software systems.