Quick definition · 2 min Coding term
API
An API is a way for two pieces of software to talk: one asks for something, the other answers, over the web.
Think of it like
A waiter. You (one app) order from the menu; the waiter (the API) takes it to the kitchen (another app) and brings back the dish.
Example
A weather app calls a weather API to get today’s forecast, instead of measuring the temperature itself.
Why it matters
APIs are how almost everything connects, including every AI model you use. “Call the API” comes up constantly.
Where you’ll see it
OpenAI APIStripeevery web app