API: Difference between revisions

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{{selfref|For the MediaWiki (the software used by Wikipedia) API, see [[mw:API]]}}

In [[computer programming]], an '''application programming interface''' ('''API''') is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building [[software application]]s. An API expresses a [[software component]] in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types. An API defines functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations, which allows <nowiki>definitions and</nowiki> implementations to vary without compromising eachthe otherinterface. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.

In addition to accessing [[database]]s or [[computer hardware]], such as [[hard disk drive]]s or [[video card]]s, an API can ease the work of programming GUI components. For example, an API can facilitate integration of new features into existing applications (a so-called "plug-in API"). An API can also assist otherwise distinct applications with sharing data, which can help to integrate and enhance the functionalities of the applications.