API application programming interface

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hi could anyone please discribe what an API is?

Regards
Meenakshi

Posted 14-May-12 19:44pm

Meenakshi_V

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Wendelius · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-14T19:47:00

Solution 1

Have you already gone through this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Api[^].

In short, API is term used for specifications using which the program exposes it's functionality to be called by other programs.

Posted 14-May-12 19:47pm

Wendelius

Comments

Andy411 15-May-12 1:49am

Looks like you post it a second earlier ;-)

Wendelius 15-May-12 2:04am

Looks like that :)

VJ Reddy 15-May-12 1:50am

Good reference. 5!

Wendelius 15-May-12 2:04am

Thanks VJ, quite obvious though :)

Andy411 · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-14T19:47:00

Solution 2

Take a look here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Api[^]

Posted 14-May-12 19:47pm

Andy411

Comments

VJ Reddy 15-May-12 1:50am

Good reference. 5!

Andy411 15-May-12 2:18am

Thx

member60 · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-14T19:48:00

API,

is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together

.
Most operating environments, such as MS-Windows, provide an API so that programmers can write applications consistent with the operating environment. Although APIs are designed for programmers, they are ultimately good for users because they guarantee that all programs using a common API will have similar interfaces. This makes it easier for users to learn new programs.
for better understanding refer:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/api-good-technology-explained/[^]

Prasad_Kulkarni · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-14T19:48:00

In short:
API, an abbreviation of application program interface, is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks.

Most operating environments, such as MS-Windows, provide an API so that programmers can write applications consistent with the operating environment. Although APIs are designed for programmers, they are ultimately good for users because they guarantee that all programs using a common API will have similar interfaces. This makes it easier for users to learn new programs.

Please refer following threads:

QuickStudy: Application Programming Interface (API)[^]
Application programming interface[^]