What is an API?

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An API (Application Programming Interface) allows users or applications to interact with each other, making communication with the underlying service easier for both the service itself and the user calling it. This lesson covers the basics of what an API is, how it functions, and why you would want to use one.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the basics of APIs
  • Learn about HTTP and internet communication
  • Understand the difference between HTTP and REST

Intended Audience

Solutions architects, developers, or anyone interested in learning about APIs.

Prerequisites

 A basic understanding of internet technology.

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Will Meadows, opens in a new tab
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William Meadows is a passionately curious human currently living in the Bay Area in California. His career has included working with lasers, teaching teenagers how to code, and creating classes about cloud technology that are taught all over the world. His dedication to completing goals and helping others is what brings meaning to his life. In his free time, he enjoys reading Reddit, playing video games, and writing books.

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