The ABCs of APIs

Ever wonder what an API really is? Here are definitions about APIs and related terms from A to Z!

A is for API

APIs are the secret sauce of apps. They let you combine app functionalities to make even greater things! #APIpower

B is for Bearer Token

Bearer tokens are like keys to access stuff online. Whoever holds the token can use it to access the thing it unlocks.

C is for Changelog

Changelogs tell you what’s new in an app or software update. They help you understand changes made and fix bugs. It’s like a cheat sheet for updates!

D is for DELETE

A DELETE HTTP request lets us delete a specified resource on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.

E is for Error Codes

Error codes help devs figure out what went wrong in an API. They tell us if it’s a user error or something wrong with the API itself.

F is for FAQs

Frequently asked questions give API users the answers to their questions in one central location.

G is for GET Request

A GET HTTP request lets us query for resources on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.

H is for Headers

HTTP headers give an application additional information about an HTTP request or response. We can use them for many things such as control caching, or authentication.

I is for Idempotency Tokens

Idempotency tokens assign a unique value to API requests, ensuring that the request can be safely retried without causing unintended side effects.

J is for Job Queue

Job queues let APIs handle multiple requests simultaneously. Incoming requests go into a queue, where they wait to be processed.

K is for Keys

Keys authenticate and authorize access to an API. They are a secure way to grant access without sharing sensitive login credentials.

L is for Link

Links let APIs do many things. A link may be used to point to another related resource or a signed link could be used for authentication.

M is for Metadata

Metadata properties on resources make an API more flexible. Developers can use metadata to store varying data relevant to their app.

N is for Network

Networks expose APIs to the web, allowing for faster, easier integration with other apps.

O is for Object

Objects organize the data exposed through APIs in a digestible format. Objects make it easier to work with data.

P is for POST Request

A POST HTTP request lets us create resources on a server. It is one of the four main HTTP methods that allow us to interact with data.

Q is for Query Parameters

Query parameters let us better define our request to an API. With query parameters, we can filter and sort data in the API response.

R is for Rate Limiting

Rate limiting requests to an API prevents resource exhaustion or abuse. Rate limits ensure that the API remains responsive for all users.

S is for Sandbox

Sandbox access allows users to test API functionality. In sandbox mode, developers can experiment without affecting live data or systems.

T is for Templates

Templates or schemas let APIs define rules and standards across its data. Templates play a big role in creating dynamic applications.

U is for Update (normally done through a ‘PATCH Request')

Updating data through a PATCH or PUT request is crucial to any API. Without endpoints to update, we’d have to delete and recreate data.

V is for Value

Value is the term often associated with user input. Most data across APIs is processed as key-value pairs like “username: zealous zebra.”

W is for Webhooks

Webhooks let APIs give real-time information for any changes to a resource. This allows us to automate tasks based on specific events.

X is for X-Forwarded Headers

X-Forwarded-Headers let APIs identify and track the origin of a client even as a request is passed between systems.

Y is for Yarn Deploy

Yarn Deploy is a common command that developers use to run scripts to deploy the API software to the server.

Z is for Zeal

(@zealapi) is the best payroll API company out there