This blog will be exploring what an API is and why we would use it.

What is an API?

An API is an application programming interface which is used as a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other.

What is an example of API?

An example could be logging in to xyz.

Instead of actually logging-in to social media accounts, applications with this functionality allow these platforms’ APIs to authenticate the user with each login.

Paypal is another good example of an API. Very similar to the sign in above.

Why would we use it over a database?

Automation: API's allow for the most up-to-date data

Storage: APIs are incredibly useful as they are online and therefore don’t take up storage space on your PC.

Sharable: If you host an API you are able to give access to a large number of people for not much more effort as sharing a standard database.

What are the challeneges with using APIs?

Not always easily accessible: You have to search around a bit to sign up for an API key (this lets you access the API).

Not always good documentation: If the API is not well documented you may struggle to navigate your way around it.

Need software to read the coding:You will need some software which can read the coding language that the API is stored in. XML or JSON format – Alteryx is very good for this. ( Alteryx can be limited to how much it can download) Python may also be another solution ( problem need to have an understanding of python coding language).