What is an API ?(Application Programming Interface)

• An encapsulation of functionalities common to many applications into reusable modules

• Involves

  • Functional specification
  • Binding to programming language
  • Implementation

• Provides

  • A consistent interface to data across all applications
  • A means to decouple applications from data formats
  • A focus on logical consumption of production of DRM concepts (objects) rather than literal access (bits and bytes)

• A good API is only as good as its SW implementation(s)

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