An API is what?
Developers can connect with applications through application programming interfaces, or APIs. The interaction enables developers to access the application’s data or make use of the capabilities of an application. The use of APIs is required for a variety of functions, including logging into websites using social media accounts, accessing Google Maps from another programme, activating IoT devices, etc.
Typically, third-party users are the ones that establish APIs. They frequently become widely known. More and more private APIs are emerging due to the growing popularity of microservices. Organizations use APIs because they serve as simple solutions for connecting individual microservices.
APIs transmit data using HTTP requests, to put it technically. Regarding that, APIs provide text replies in the form of JSON, which developers can utilise in accordance with their capabilities. Different types of APIs exist, including REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC, and others.
The distinction between APIs and microservices
In order to better understand, let’s quickly review:
Microservices connect with each other via an API. A software API specifies what constitutes a valid request and how to reply to it.
An architectural strategy for breaking down the functions of an application into separate, modular, self-contained applications is known as a microservice. By decomposing the functionalities, it enables developers to simply construct and manage an application.
What sets microservices and APIs apart
Let’s simply review before getting into further detail:
A microservice’s means of communication is called an API. A software API specifies the kind of queries that are permitted as well as how to handle them.
A microservice is a design strategy for breaking down the functions of an application into separate, modular, self-contained applications. By decomposing the functionalities, it makes it simple for developers to build and maintain an application.
It’s critical to remember that each microservice utilises APIs uniquely, and that no two microservices are same. While some users use numerous APIs to access a single service, others use a single API to access multiple services. In contrast, APIs go beyond microservices. They don’t require a microservice implementation to be used internally.
