endpoint

An endpoint is a point at which communication or interaction terminates or originates. In information technology, endpoints are devices, applications, or services that participate in a network or system interface.

In networking, an endpoint refers to any device that can send or receive data, such as computers, mobile devices, servers, printers, or IoT nodes. Endpoints are addressed by network addresses and accessed through protocols and ports, forming the points where data enters and leaves a network.

An API endpoint is a specific URL or URI at which a client can request a resource or service. Endpoints define the surface of an application’s functionality and are invoked using standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, or DELETE. They specify where and how to interact with part of a system.

Endpoint security is the practice of protecting endpoints from cyber threats. It encompasses controls such as antivirus software, host-based intrusion prevention, endpoint detection and response, patch management, and configuration hardening to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks. Effective endpoint security relies on visibility, policy enforcement, and timely updates.

In clinical research, an endpoint is an outcome used to determine the effect of an intervention, such as overall survival, progression-free survival, or symptom improvement. Primary endpoints drive the main research question, while secondary endpoints provide additional information about effects or safety.

In mathematics, an endpoint is one of the two end points of a line segment or a boundary point where a curve or path terminates. These meanings share the core idea of a defined termination point within a system.