API

Application Programming Interface.

There are different types of interfaces, such as machine, hardware or software interfaces. In the area of software interfaces, communication between systems is realized by means of rules in the area of data and functions. It is important to document the interfaces so that partner systems can develop the connection more easily.

Concepts that give priority to APIs when planning an IT infrastructure are called API-first.

Connecting external systems

Software providers make programming interfaces available to enable the connection of external systems to their own systems. These connections are realized within the system set-up.

If IT platforms are realised with concepts and architectures such as best-of-breed, headless and microservices, APIs are an essential component.