What is an API? Meaning, Examples & How to Use APIs

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TL;DR:

• API stands for "application programming interface." It is a set of rules that helps connect two applications or parts of a large application;
• APIs can be classified by architecture (REST, SOAP, etc.) and by access type (open, private, etc.);
• In short, APIs receive requests via endpoints, process them, and return responses;
• Using APIs helps launch apps faster, save money, get important functionality quickly, and scale easier;
• Banuba's APIs offer access to advanced AR and video editing features that can increase engagement, decrease returns, and improve user experience.

What Does API Stand For?

What are APIs? It is an acronym for Application Programming Interface. If that sounds abstract, consider it a set of clearly defined rules allowing two software pieces to communicate effectively. The term API definition often pops up in tech discussions, but it applies to many industries, not just Silicon Valley startups. 

API technology is used whenever you order a ride through a mobile app, check the weather on a website, or quickly log in with a social media account

Types of APIs

We can classify application programming interfaces according to their architecture and use case. Based on their architecture, we can distinguish:

• SOAP APIs (Simple Object Access Protocol) — a somewhat outdated model that uses XML messaging for communication;
• Websocket APIs — modern API development for passing data via JSON objects;
• RPC APIs (Remote Procedure Calls) — action-oriented API technology that supports only POST and GET requests;
• REST APIs (Representational State Transfer) — the most popular and adaptable API architecture, using HTTP for data exchange and offering more functions than RPC APIs.

According to the scope of use, they can be divided into Data APIs, Operating system APIs, Remote APIs, and Web APIs. The first three are less common; we will review the latter. 

What is a Web API?

Web APIs utilize HTTP protocol for data and functionality exchange over the Internet without delving into underlying complexities. Most modern APIs fall into this category.  

What Are the Four Types of APIs? 

Categorizing them helps you decide which type suits your business model or product needs.

Open APIs (Public)

• Available to any developer, often with straightforward registration;
• Encourages community building, innovation, and broad adoption;
• May have limits on free usage, with paid tiers for higher volume.

Partner APIs

• Shared exclusively with business partners under specific terms;
• Enhances cross-company collaboration without exposing sensitive data to the public;
• Often used to streamline supply chain or affiliate integrations.

Internal APIs (Private)

• Used within a company to standardize data flow between internal departments;
• Improves operational efficiency and centralizes access control;
• Minimizes siloed systems by enabling consistent methods for data exchange.

Composite APIs

• Combine multiple APIs into a single call;
• Useful for the microservices architecture, where one request may require data from multiple sources;
• Improves performance by bundling tasks into fewer network requests.

How APIs Work 

So, now that you already know what APIs are, it’s time to answer the following question — How do APIs work? Let’s simplify it through a basic client-server model. The client (your software application or device) sends a request, and the server (the system hosting the resource you want) responds with the relevant data or function. 

API structure

Below are the three primary components that make API connection possible:

1. Endpoints:

• Think of endpoints as digital doorways or URLs where your requests land;
• Each endpoint is configured to handle specific requests, like fetching data or submitting user information.

2. Requests

• A request signals precisely what you want the server to do;
• Developers use HTTP methods such as GET (to retrieve data), POST (to send or create data), PUT (to update data), or DELETE (to remove data).

3. Responses

• After processing your request, the server returns a response, typically in JSON or XML format;
• This response might include the requested data or a status message confirming that the server followed your instructions.

Each request-response cycle follows predefined rules. This is where the programming interface part comes in. By standardizing the language of communication, APIs ensure that developers don’t need to dig into the server’s internal codebase. They simply follow the instructions laid out in the interface.

API Use Cases and Examples

APIs are the glue that binds modern digital experiences. Whether you use a weather API to display a forecast on your site or integrate social login via Facebook, API software simplifies integration. 

Here are a few API example scenarios:

Web Development

Front-end frameworks like React or Angular rely on back-end endpoints to fetch data, which might include user details, e-commerce products, or analytics.

Mobile Apps

Mobile applications use APIs to manage authentication, in-app purchases, and real-time notifications. If you’ve ever received a push alert about a sale, an API most likely powered that event.

AR/VR Technologies

An API handles real-time face tracking or 3D rendering data in advanced fields like augmented reality. 

APIs help real estate agencies connect to third-party property databases. E-commerce platforms integrate virtual try-on features through APIs. Your car’s navigation system might rely on an API to fetch traffic data. API functions help different software systems collaborate to solve user problems more effectively.

APIs vs SDKs: What’s the Difference?

It’s common to hear how developers compare an SKD vs. API, but they describe two distinct concepts. An API states how software components interact, while an SDK (Software Development Kit) typically includes various tools, libraries, documentation, and sample code to speed up software creation.

Let’s review their differences in more detail: 

APIs

• Define a contract for data exchange and interaction;
• Are more lightweight, focusing on the rules for communication;
• Perfect when you want a standardized method to access a specific feature or service.

SDKs

• Provide a toolbox that can include one or more APIs, code templates, debuggers, and documentation;
• Are often broader in scope, helping developers build or enhance applications for a specific platform (e.g., iOS, Android, Unity);
• May include offline tools that ease your development process.

Combining APIs and SDKs enables developers to create a more efficient and user-friendly experience. While APIs provide access to functionality, SDKs offer the tools to utilize that functionality effectively, making projects scalable and maintainable.

Advantages of Using APIs in Development

Why do API developers, tech teams, and product owners rely heavily on these API interfaces? The answer lies in speed, cost savings, and robust functionality. You can concentrate on innovating rather than reinventing the wheel by connecting to existing services instead of recreating them from scratch.

Faster Development

When you rely on a tried-and-tested API, you avoid the burden of building every function in-house. This shortcut speeds up your release cycle and allows you to offer new features to end users faster. According to analytics, leveraging API services can reduce product delivery time by 50%. 

Enhanced Scalability

Modern API connection designs let you add or remove services on the fly. If your app suddenly needs a new payment system or AR-powered face filters, you can plug in the relevant API without a major overhaul.

Specialized Functionality

Specific capabilities (like Banuba’s AR filters or virtual try-ons) require deep expertise to develop. API integration allows you to gain advanced technology without hiring an entire team of experts.

Cost Efficiency

You reduce operational overhead by delegating server infrastructure or AR-powered features to the API provider. The API meaning in business offers a shift from in-house to third-party solutions, which often translates into significant savings. According to the Mulesoft report, 40% of companies analyzed saw a boost in revenue upon leveraging APIs. 

Collaboration and Innovation

APIs promote a more collaborative development environment. Marketing managers, product owners, and developers can quickly test new ideas by connecting to relevant API endpoints, opening fresh avenues for innovation.

How to Use an API?

You don’t need to be an API programming guru to integrate new features into your app. The process involves a series of well-defined steps. Let’s take a closer look at what API integration is and an example of how to implement it. 

1. Sign Up or Register

• Many providers require you to create an account to obtain unique API access tokens or keys;
• Free tiers or trial options allow you to experiment before committing to a paid plan.

2. Study the Documentation

• Good documentation lays out every endpoint, parameter, and expected response;
• Pay attention to rate limits or usage constraints to avoid unintentional throttling.

3. Test with Tools

• Platforms like Postman or Insomnia let you send trial requests without writing extensive code;
• Experiment with GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE calls to see how the server responds.

4. Integrate into Your Application

• Once you’re comfortable with the request-response cycle, embed the API code into your project;
• Example: A fetch() call in JavaScript or a dedicated client library in Python, Java, or another language.

5. Optimize and Monitor

• Keep an eye on performance, potential error rates, and any changes in the API specification;
• Implement caching and error-handling logic for a smoother user experience.

Popular APIs in the Industry

The software development industry offers a diversity of application programming interfaces to meet various needs. Let’s review the most popular APIs. 

Google Maps API 

Google Maps is essential for any application requiring maps, directions, or location-based services. It's most commonly used for ride-sharing apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft), travel bookings, delivery services, store locators, etc. 

Banuba AR APIs 

Banuba's AR APIs power real-time filters, face tracking, video editing, and various augmented reality effects. Background remover API works for photos and videos, offering additional AR effects such as 3D masks, virtual try-ons, and more. Video editing API enables various customization options, including AI clipping and subtitles, graphical effects, and overlays. 

Stripe API

Stripe is a top choice for payment processing due to its ease of use, security features that ensure that sensitive API data is always protected from unauthorized access or malicious activity, and global reach. It's used for online payment gateways for e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), subscription management for services like Netflix, and donation systems.

Twilio API 

Twilio is a leader in communication APIs, enabling voice, SMS, and video integration. It allows sending SMS notifications for e-commerce orders, voice authentication for security, and video conferencing for remote teams.

Why Choose Banuba’s APIs?

With over 9 years on the market and patented face-tracking technologies, Banuba offers leading AR and AI-powered API solutions to help businesses thrive in a crowded environment. 

Our success stories highlight how our solutions can reduce dev time by 50%, increase the add-to-cart rate to 32%, and deliver astonishing sales figures of $900k in just four hours. So, what makes us different? 

Patented Face-Tracking Technologies 

Banuba's patented face-tracking technology has 3,308 vertices. Unlike competitors, we track only 37 face parameters, speeding up performance and improving accuracy. This allows us to implement our patented anti-jitter without compromising quality. 

Comprehensive Feature Set Beyond Face Filters

While Banuba is widely known for its face AR filters, the technology extends to body tracking, hand gesture recognition, virtual try-ons, and advanced video processing. 

Uncompromising Performance and Mobile Optimization

Banuba focuses on low-latency performance that runs smoothly on a wide range of mobile devices, including 95% of Android devices, iOS, Windows, and smart mirrors. Smooth frame rates (up to 60 FPS) mean minimal lag when rendering AR effects. Efficient CPU/GPU usage conserves battery life, which is vital in consumer-facing apps.

Scalability and Updates 

Banuba constantly refines tracking algorithms, filter libraries, and feature expansions based on the latest computer vision and augmented reality research.

Broad device compatibility reduces the risk of negative user reviews caused by low performance on mid-range or older smartphones. It also allows for a simple and quick proof of concept on an MVP, which can be scaled to additional features and other platforms. 

Easy Integration and Straightforward Documentation

Banuba provides clear, well-organized documentation and community that walks teams through the integration process step by step. Besides, you get lifetime support and regular updates. 

Customizable Branding and White-Label Options

Many B2B partners need advanced technology without overshadowing their brand identity. Banuba’s solutions offer white-labeling or deep customization, allowing you to incorporate AR filters, custom UI elements, video editing, or background removal in a way that feels uniquely yours.

Increased Engagement and ROI 

According to our research, AR experiences enhance customer engagement by 200%. In sales, they can reduce return rates by 60%. Features powered by AI allow hyper-personalization, boosting conversion rates by 63%. Overall, they bring higher ROI. 

Conclusion

APIs boost the delivery phase, cutting the time to market and lowering the budget without sacrificing quality and security. Off-the-shelf API software enables enriching your project without onboarding expensive, narrow-profile specialists. 

Banuba’s offerings add another dimension to this API-driven landscape by delivering advanced augmented reality tools that set your software apart. If you aim to impress users with dynamic features and superior engagement, explore Banuba’s API offerings — the free trial has no strings attached.