How do APIs work?

How do APIs work?

API architecture can be best explained in terms of 'the client' and 'the server'. The application sending the request is called the client whilst the application sending the response is called the server. 

There are four different ways that APIs can work depending on when and why they were created.

SOAP APIs 

SOAP APIs use Simple Object Access Protocol. The client and server exchange messages using XML. This is not the most flexible API and thus, isn't as popular today as it was in the past.

RPC APIs

RPC APIs are otherwise known as Remote Procedure Calls. The client completes a function on the server, and the server sends the output back to the client.

Websocket APIs

Websocket API is a modern web API development that uses JSON objects to move data. A WebSocket API supports two-way communication between client applications and the server. The server can send callback messages to connected clients, making it more efficient than REST API.

REST APIs

These are the most popular and flexible APIs found on the web today. The client sends requests to the server as data. The server uses this client input to start internal functions and sends back output data to the client. 

APIs are essential tools for building interconnected software ecosystems, driving innovation, enhancing functionality, and enabling seamless integration between diverse systems and platforms, the type of API you need depends on your current environment and your objectives. Get in touch today and we can help you identify which type of API suits your specific requirements.